A parent of an infant with colic tells the nurse, All this baby ...

[jrubin]

A parent of an infant with colic tells the nurse, All this baby does is scream at me; it is a constant worry. The nurse's best action is:
 
  a. encourage parent to verbalize feelings.
  b. encourage parent not to worry so much.
  c. assess parent for other signs of inadequate parenting.
  d. reassure parent that colic rarely lasts past age 9 months.

Question 2

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is diagnosed in a 6-month-old infant. Which should the nurse recommend as a substitute formula?
 
  a. Nutramigen
  b. Goat's milk
  c. Similac
  d. Enfamil

[cici]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Colic is multifactorial, and no single treatment is effective for all infants. The parent is verbalizing concern and worry. The nurse should allow the parent to put these feelings into words. An empathic, gentle, and reassuring attitude, in addition to suggestions about remedies, will help alleviate the parent's anxieties. The nurse should reassure the parent that he or she is not doing anything wrong. Colic is multifactorial. The infant with colic is experiencing spasmodic pain that is manifested by loud crying, in some cases up to 3 hours each day. Telling the parent that it will eventually go away does not help him or her through the current situation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Treatment of CMA is elimination of cow's milkbased formula and all other dairy products. For infants fed cow's milk formula, this primarily involves changing the formula to a casein hydrolysate milk formula (Pregestimil, Nutramigen, or Alimentum). Goat's milk (raw) is not an acceptable substitute because it cross-reacts with cow's milk protein, is deficient in folic acid, has a high sodium and protein content, and is unsuitable as the only source of calories. Cow's milk protein is contained in both Enfamil and Similac.