You are required to act your part as an Enrolled Nurse in an infection control committee meeting to discuss an incident that occurred in your ward: Your client, Mrs Nan Hg who speaks very little English was found in her bed breastfeeding 1. Identify the possible outcomes of this incident; especially for the infant (three points with little explanation) 2. Identify the required follow-up for the infant, and possible services required to adequately cater for the needs of this family. (Five points with little explanation)

As an Enrolled Nurse in an infection control committee meeting, I would like to discuss an incident that occurred in our ward involving a client named Mrs. Nan Hg. Mrs. Hg, who speaks very little English, was found in her bed breastfeeding. This incident raises concerns regarding the possible outcomes of such an event, particularly for the infant. Additionally, it is important to identify the necessary follow-up for the infant and the potential services that may be required to adequately cater to the needs of this family.

1. Possible outcomes of the incident for the infant:

a. Malnourishment: Inadequate breastfeeding can lead to malnourishment in infants. Since Mrs. Hg speaks very little English, it is possible that she may not be aware of proper breastfeeding techniques or may not be producing enough breast milk to adequately nourish her baby.

b. Infections: If proper infection control measures were not followed during breastfeeding, there is an increased risk of infection for both the infant and Mrs. Hg. As a result, the infant may experience various infections such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, or skin infections.

c. Language and communication barriers: The fact that Mrs. Hg speaks very little English may pose challenges in identifying any concerns or complications experienced by the infant. Communication difficulties may impede timely recognition and intervention, further exacerbating the potential outcomes of this incident.

2. Required follow-up for the infant and possible services:

a. Medical assessment: After the incident, it is crucial to conduct a thorough medical assessment of the infant to identify any potential health concerns or complications. This should include a physical examination, assessment of weight and growth, and evaluation of feeding patterns.

b. Nutritional support: If it is determined that the infant is experiencing malnourishment, appropriate nutritional support should be provided. This may involve the involvement of a lactation consultant or a registered dietitian who can provide guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques and offer advice on nutritional supplementation if necessary.

c. Language interpretation and support: Given Mrs. Hg’s limited English proficiency, it is important to provide language interpretation services during all interactions with the family. This will ensure effective communication between healthcare providers and Mrs. Hg, allowing for a better understanding of the infant’s needs and any potential concerns.

d. Cultural sensitivity training: To adequately cater for the needs of this family, healthcare providers involved in the follow-up should receive cultural sensitivity training. This will promote awareness and understanding of cultural practices related to breastfeeding and child-rearing, facilitating better support and care for Mrs. Hg and her infant.

e. Referral to social services: In cases where communication barriers, cultural differences, or social determinants of health impact the well-being of the family, referral to social services may be necessary. Social workers can assist in connecting the family with community resources, educational programs, and support groups tailored to their specific needs, helping to optimize overall care and support.

In summary, the incident involving Mrs. Hg breastfeeding her infant while having limited English proficiency raises concerns regarding the possible outcomes for the infant, including malnourishment, infections, and language barriers. The required follow-up for the infant should include a medical assessment, nutritional support, language interpretation, cultural sensitivity training for healthcare providers, and potential referral to social services. By addressing these areas, we can ensure the best possible care and support for Mrs. Hg and her infant, promoting their overall well-being and safety.