Ch8

Question 1

Warning signs of growing difficulty in infants

Answer 1

• No increase, a decline, or rapid increase in weight, length or head circumference percentile.

Question 2

Explain when cow milk formula, soy-based formula, and amino acid-based formula are used.

Answer 2

• Cow milk = healthy term infants
• Soy = vegetarians, galactosemia, hereditary lactase deficiency.
• Amino acid = extreme protein hypersensitivity.

Question 3

Describe correct feeding position and its importance.

Answer 3

• Infants provided support for head, trunk and feet. A high chair is used when infants can sit without assistance. Parents can sit in front of infant making eye contact.
• It is important for infants to suck, swallow, and breath comfortably. Improper position is associated with choking, discomfort, overfeeding and ear infection.

Question 4

List four recommendations to reduce dental caries.

Answer 4

• Avoid sugary drinks
• Infants shouldnt be put to sleep with bottle containing sugary drinks e.g. milk or juice.
• Oral hygiene starts as first tooth erupts.
• Parents encouraged to have infants drinking from a cup at 1 year old.

Question 5

How should complemetary foods be introduced to infants? do commercially prepared baby foods need to be part of infants diet or is there other alternatives?

Answer 5

• Complementary feeding delayed till 6 months. at 6-8 months infants are ready for soft, lumpy textures. more complex textures can be developed.
• Its important for parents to assess infant readiness for spoon feeding e.g. moving tongue side to side, head and trunk control, ability to sit well.
• Commercially prepared baby foods arent a necessity, parents can prepare food eg. food processor and mashing with a fork. Commercially prepared used for convenience. Textures and safe prep is important.

Question 6

Why is choking a worry when feeding infants food. What foods should be avoided.

Answer 6

• Some foods increase risk of choking as chewing skills are not well developed. foods can obstruct airways,
• Voluntary coughing and learning pf the throat isn’t yet learned. Should be supervised.
• Common foods associated with choking is fruits, vegetables, biscuits, cookies and crackers.

Question 7

What is recommended for diet changes to relieve infants lactose intolerance and how will this impact child lactose tolerance in the future?

Answer 7

• Lactose is present in all dairy products included cows milk formula.
• Lactose reduced infant formula are available.
• Infants are likely to be able to eat dairy products later. Since diary products are an important source of calcium, gradual introduction of foods with low lactose is recommended for older infants.

Question 8

List 4 factors associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

Answer 8

1. Chronic undernutrition
2. Low weight for gestational age
3. Eating disorders or failing to gain weight during pregnancy
4. Poor cognitive, motor and social-emotional development of the infant.

Question 9

Why is fat essential for infants?

Answer 9

• Provides essential fatty acids, source of energy, and facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Essential for neurological development and brain function.
• Infants are at increased risk of deficiency due to growth rate, limited storage and requirements.

Question 10

Describe the development and long-term risks associated with iron deficiency in infants.

Answer 10

• Infants at risk of iron deficiency due to rapid growth.
• Iron deficiency is associated with short and long-term consequences, including poor cognitive and motor development. These infants ar reported with socio-emptional impairments, including unhappy, hesitant, and wary.
• Infant at increased risk are those of diabetic mother, growth restricted newborns, and preterm infants with lower iron stores.