A nurse is providing postpartum education about newborn feedings to a client who has recently given birth. Which of the following information should the nurse include about bottle feeding?

Choice A reason: Creatinine 1.3 mg/dL is slightly elevated, but it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired renal function.

Choice B reason: BNP 300 pg/mL is high and indicates fluid volume excess. BNP stands for brain natriuretic peptide, which is a hormone released by the heart when it is stretched by increased blood volume or pressure. High BNP levels can indicate heart failure or fluid overload.

Choice C reason: Potassium 3.5 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, especially the heart. Low or high potassium levels can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis.

Choice D reason: Sodium 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulses. Low or high sodium levels can cause confusion, seizures, or coma.

Choice A reason: Recommending a total fiber intake of 12 g each day is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it is too low for most adults. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA. for fiber is 25 g per day for women and 38 g per day for men, which can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and promote bowel health.

Choice B reason: Referring the client to a weight-loss support group is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help the client achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A body mass index (BMI) of 28 indicates overweight, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. A weight-loss support group can provide education, motivation, and accountability for the client.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to add 500 calories per day to the diet is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can lead to weight gain. A client who has a BMI of 28 does not need to increase their caloric intake unless they have other medical conditions or nutritional needs that require more calories. Adding 500 calories per day to the diet can result in gaining about one pound per week, which can worsen the health outcomes of the client.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to continue current daily caloric intake is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it may prevent weight loss. A client who has a BMI of 28 needs to reduce their caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose one to two pounds per week, which is considered a safe and effective rate of weight loss.