Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and breastfeeding. the client asks the nurse about the effects that taking over - the - counter medications will have on her newborn. which of the following should the nurse consider when recommending a medication for the client? (select all that apply.)

the newborns weight

how much breast milk the newborn consumes each day

whether or not the benefits to the client outweigh the risks to the newborn

the properties of the medication

the route of administration of the medication

Explanation:

• The newborn’s weight: Newborn weight affects drug metabolism/excretion capacity, so it's a factor.
• How much breast milk the newborn consumes each day: More milk intake means more drug exposure from breast milk.
• Whether or not the benefits to the client outweigh the risks to the newborn: A core ethical/medical decision - making principle for maternal - infant care.
• The properties of the medication: Medication properties (like half - life, protein binding, etc.) determine how it transfers to breast milk and affects the newborn.
• The route of administration of the medication: Route (e.g., oral vs. IV) affects how quickly and how much of the drug enters the maternal circulation and then breast milk.

Answer:

• The newborn's weight
• How much breast milk the newborn consumes each day
• Whether or not the benefits to the client outweigh the risks to the newborn
• The properties of the medication
• The route of administration of the medication