What behavior does the nurse anticipate while feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?
ExplanationA. There is little or no opening between the nasal passages and the nasopharynx; therefore, the infant can breathe only through the mouth. When feeding, the infant cannot breathe without aspirating some of the fluid; this causes choking.
B. The swallowing reflex is present in these infants.
C. Because it is difficult if not impossible to suck, the infant will be hungry.
D. If choanal atresia is unilateral, there may be no symptoms, and the infant will be able to feed; if bilateral, sucking will be almost impossible.
