The nurse determines that a client who is breast-feeding has understood teaching regarding medication use when the client makes which statement?

Question

1. "I will be sure to take medications just before breast-feeding."
2. "I know it is safe to take over-the-counter meds, but not prescription meds."
3. "I will check with my health care provider before taking any medication."
4. "I will only use herbal supplements while breast-feeding."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Although drug levels might be lower if the drug is taken just prior to feeding, the mother needs to determine that the drug is safe for the infant.
Rationale 2: OTC meds might be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
Rationale 3: This reflects the safest way to determine if a drug can be taken while breast-feeding.
Rationale 4: It is not safe to assume herbal medications are safe; they can be secreted in breast milk and might be unsafe for the infant.
Global Rationale: Checking with the health care provider prior to taking any medication reflects the safest way to determine if a drug can be taken while breast-feeding. Although drug levels might be lower if the drug is taken just prior to feeding, the mother needs to determine that the drug is safe for the infant. OTC meds might be unsafe to use during pregnancy. It is not safe to assume herbal medications are safe; they can be secreted in breast milk and might be unsafe for the infant.