The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for an adolescent postpartum mother. Which topic will the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Question

1. Most medications are secreted into breast milk.
2. The new mother's insulin will not be secreted into her breast milk.
3. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal products are secreted into breast milk and have the potential to cause harm to the infant.
4. Topical medications must be avoided as these also are secreted into breast milk.
5. Most drugs are safe to take right after breast-feeding because they have not reached the blood stream yet.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: The majority of drugs are secreted into breast milk.
Rationale 2: Insulin molecules are too large to be secreted into breast milk.
Rationale 3: OTC drugs and herbal products can be secreted into breast milk and have the potential to harm the infant. All products should be approved by the provider prior to use.
Rationale 4: Topical medications are not secreted into breast milk and are safe to use during breast-feeding. Topical medications could be ingested by the infant if applied to the nipple or breast.
Rationale 5: Drugs should only be taken during breast-feeding if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the infant.
Global Rationale: The majority of drugs are secreted into breast milk. Insulin molecules are too large to be secreted into breast milk. OTC drugs and herbal products can be secreted into breast milk and have the potential to harm the infant. All products should be approved by the provider prior to use. Topical medications are not secreted into breast milk and are safe to use during breast-feeding. Topical medications could be ingested by the infant if applied to the nipple or breast. Drugs should only be taken during breast-feeding if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the infant.