International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, offering detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Master the essentials and excel in your certification exam!

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What is a necessary step before breastfeeding if a baby is born to a hepatitis B positive mother?

  1. Administer the first dose of Hep B vaccine

  2. Wait until the baby is one month old

  3. Give the baby hepatitis B immune globulin after feeding

  4. Delay breastfeeding for a week

The correct answer is: Administer the first dose of Hep B vaccine

Administering the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to a newborn whose mother is hepatitis B positive is critical to protecting the infant from possible infection. This intervention should occur within 12 hours of birth to provide optimal immunity. The hepatitis B vaccine, when given alongside hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), significantly reduces the risk of the infant acquiring the virus from the mother. Timing is crucial; by giving the vaccine right away, the infant's immune system has the opportunity to respond effectively, building resistance to the virus. This step aligns with guidelines for managing newborns at risk of hepatitis B infection and ensures that preventative measures are implemented promptly, promoting the health and safety of the newborn immediately following birth. The other options presented do not meet the urgent criteria set forth for newborns exposed to hepatitis B and would delay necessary preventive care, potentially increasing the risk of infection.