The nurse is caring for a 6-kg 4-month-old infant who is hospitalized

The nurse is caring for a 6-kg 4-month-old infant who is hospitalized with a respiratory infection. The nurse knows that an infant this age needs approximately 108 kcal/kg of body weight.

The nurse also understands that human breast milk provides approximately 20 kcal/oz. About how much breast milk does the nurse need to feed the infant every 4 hours in order to provide enough to meet the infant’s nutritional needs?
1. 4.5 ounces
2. 5.5 ounces
3. 6.5 ounces
4. 7.5 ounces

ANSWER

ANS: 2
6 kg x 108 kcal/kg/day = 648 kcal/day; 648 kcal/day ÷ 20 kcal/oz = 32.4 oz/day; 32.4 oz/day ÷ 24 hr/day = 1.35 oz/hr; 1.35 oz/hr x 4 hours = 5.4 ounces every 4 hours.