A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a newborn who has gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Alternating the first breast that is offered to the baby with each feeding is a good practice for breastfeeding because it can ensure equal stimulation and drainage of both breasts, which can prevent engorgement, mastitis, or low milk supply. Alternating breasts can also provide the baby with both foremilk and hindmilk, which have different compositions and benefits.

Choice B reason: Storing breast milk in the refrigerator up to 48 hours is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can reduce the quality and safety of the milk. Breast milk should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 hours or in the freezer for no longer than 6 months. Breast milk should also be stored in clean, sterile containers and labeled with the date and time of expression.

Choice C reason: Nursing the baby once every 4 hours is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can decrease the milk production and supply, which can affect the growth and development of the baby. Breastfeeding should be done on demand or at least every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night. Breastfeeding should also last for at least 10 to 15 minutes per breast or until the baby is satisfied.

Choice D reason: Offering the baby water between feedings is not a good practice for breastfeeding because it can interfere with the baby's appetite and intake of breast milk, which can cause dehydration, malnutrition, or failure to thrive. Breast milk contains enough water and nutrients to meet the baby's needs for the first six months of life. Water should be avoided or limited until the baby starts solid foods.

Choice A reason: Reducing the client's sodium intake is an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can help prevent fluid retention and edema, which are complications of heart failure. Sodium intake should be limited to 2 g per day or less for clients who have heart failure.

Choice B reason: Restricting the client's protein intake is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can cause malnutrition and muscle wasting, which can worsen heart failure. Protein intake should be adequate to meet the client's nutritional needs and support cardiac function. Protein intake should be about 0.8 to 1.2 g per kg of body weight per day for clients who have heart failure.

Choice C reason: Weighing the client once per week is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can delay the detection and treatment of fluid overload, which can worsen heart failure. The client should be weighed daily at the same time and with the same scale and clothing to monitor fluid status and adjust medication dosage.

Choice D reason: Providing the client with three large meals per day is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can increase the workload of the heart and cause dyspnea, fatigue, or chest pain, which are symptoms of heart failure. The client should be provided with small, frequent meals that are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol to reduce cardiac stress and promote digestion.