A nurse is preparing to administer nasogastric tube feedings to a 2-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A rationale:
The correct answer is choice A. This action is crucial to ensure accurate capillary blood glucose testing. Allowing the skin antiseptic to dry before puncturing the child's finger helps prevent contamination of the blood sample, which can lead to inaccurate results. Wet antiseptic can dilute the blood sample and affect the glucose reading.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because placing a cool washcloth on the child's finger is not standard practice before capillary blood glucose testing. While warmth can help increase blood flow and make the puncture process more comfortable, using a cool washcloth is not recommended, as it may constrict blood vessels and make it harder to obtain a sufficient blood sample.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect because testing the first drop of blood obtained after puncturing the child's finger is not recommended. The first drop of blood can be diluted with interstitial fluid and may not provide an accurate glucose reading. It's important to wipe away the first drop and use the subsequent drop of blood for testing.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect because puncturing the center of the pad of the child's index finger is not the recommended site for capillary blood glucose testing. The sides of the fingertip contain an adequate blood supply and are less painful for the child. Puncturing the center of the fingertip can be more painful and may not yield a sufficient blood sample.

The correct answer is choice C. 6.8 to 7.7 kg (15 to 17 lb).

Choice A rationale:

This weight range is above the average for a 6-month-old infant. According to growth charts, the 50th percentile weight for a 6-month-old male is approximately 7.9 kg (17 lb 8 oz), and for a female, it’s about 7.3 kg (16 lb 1 oz). Therefore, 8.6 to 9.5 kg would be considered above average and not the anticipated weight for most infants.

Choice B rationale:

This weight range is below the average for a 6-month-old infant. The average weight at 6 months is significantly higher than 4.1 to 5 kg, as infants are expected to double their birth weight by 5 months of age. Therefore, an infant weighing between 9 to 11 lb at 6 months would be considered underweight.

Choice C rationale:

This weight range is within the average for a 6-month-old infant. As mentioned, the 50th percentile weights for 6-month-old infants are approximately 7.9 kg for males and 7.3 kg for females. This choice falls within the expected weight gain trajectory where an infant is anticipated to double their birth weight by 5 months and then gain an additional pound or so by 6 months.

Choice D rationale:

This weight range is significantly above the average for a 6-month-old infant. It is well above the 95th percentile for this age group and would be considered unusual without underlying health conditions that could contribute to such a weight at this age. An infant weighing between 23 to 25 lb at 6 months would be exceptionally rare and likely indicative of an abnormal growth pattern.