A nurse is teaching a parent about appropriate snack choices for her 9-month-old infant. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Offering the client frozen banana as a snack is an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can help soothe and cool the inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, which are caused by stomatitis. Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral cavity that can result from radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Frozen banana also provides potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for the client.

Choice B reason: Serving the client hot meals is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can worsen nausea and vomiting. Hot meals are aromatic, spicy, and greasy, which are characteristics of emetic foods. Hot meals can also irritate the stomach lining and trigger the gag reflex.

Choice C reason: Avoiding serving sauces or gravies is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can cause dehydration and malnutrition. Sauces and gravies are liquid, mild, and moist, which are characteristics of antiemetic foods. Sauces and gravies can also enhance the flavor and texture of bland foods and provide calories and nutrients for the client.

Choice D reason: Discouraging the use of a straw is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can prevent adequate fluid intake and hydration. Using a straw can help the client sip small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, or broth, which are antiemetic fluids. Using a straw can also reduce the exposure to odors and tastes that may cause nausea.

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.