A woman who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus ...

[Yolanda]

A woman who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during her second trimester has remained asymptomatic. She tells the nurse that she wants to breastfeed her newborn. The nurse's best response is:
 
  a. As long as you remain without symptoms, you can safely breastfeed the baby.
  b. The baby's antibody titer must be evaluated before determining whether you can breastfeed.
  c. All new mothers are encouraged to breastfeed to promote healthy nutrition in the infant.
  d. You should not breastfeed your newborn because HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

Question 2

A new mother who is breastfeeding has asked for pain medication for uterine cramping and episiotomy pain. The nurse recognizes that:
 
  a. The best time to administer the analgesic is immediately after breastfeeding to minimize drug transfer in breast milk.
  b. The best time to administer the analgesic is just before the feeding so the feeding will be over before the drug peaks.
  c. The time of administration does not matter.
  d. Analgesics cannot be taken by a breastfeeding mother.

[ApricotDream]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Because of the risk of transmitting HIV to the newborn, an infected mother should not breastfeed. Because HIV can be transmitted anytime during breastfeeding, testing the neonate's antibody titer at delivery offers no protection for the duration of the breastfeeding period.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Administer pain medication immediately after breastfeeding to minimize drug transfer in breast milk. Administration of analgesia just before breastfeeding increases the risk of drug transfer to the infant in the milk. Breastfeeding mothers are not prohibited from taking pain medications.

[Yolanda]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[debra928]

Wow, this really help