If an infant requires 340 kcals over 24 hours, how many ounces of milk should be given every 6 hours?

To determine how many ounces of milk an infant should be given every 6 hours, we first need to calculate the total caloric intake required for 6 hours. Since the infant requires 340 kilocalories over 24 hours, we find the hourly caloric need by dividing 340 by 24, which equals approximately 14.17 kcal per hour.

Next, we calculate the caloric need for a 6-hour period by multiplying the hourly caloric requirement by 6:

14.17 kcal/hour x 6 hours = 85.02 kcal

Now, we need to establish how many ounces of milk provide this caloric content. Most formulas and breast milk contain about 20 kcal per ounce. To find out how many ounces are needed to meet the 85.02 kcal requirement, we divide the caloric need by the calories per ounce:

85.02 kcal ÷ 20 kcal/oz = 4.25 oz

Rounding this number gives us approximately 4.5 ounces of milk. Hence, the correct choice reflects the need to provide a rounded and practical feeding amount for the infant every 6 hours.