CLC Exam Newest Actual Exam

CLC Exam – Newest Actual Exam | Complete 200 Questions with Detailed Verified Answers (100% Correct) | ALPP CLC Exam Study Guide | Updated Version | Already Graded A+ | / Edition

Section 1: Introduction

This document contains the complete and most up-to-date version of the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Exam, administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP), featuring 200 fully verified questions and 100% correct answers. It covers essential lactation topics including human milk composition, latch and positioning, breastfeeding complications, counseling techniques, ethics, maternal and infant nutrition, and professional standards. This A+ graded study guide is structured to match the actual exam format and is trusted for success by CLC candidates nationwide during the / testing period.

Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers

• Question: What is the primary component of human milk that supports infant immunity?
• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Immunoglobulins
• Fats

Correct Answer: C. Immunoglobulins

Rationale: Immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, provide passive immunity by protecting the infant’s gastrointestinal tract from pathogens.

• Question: Which position is most effective for a newborn with a tongue-tie to achieve a

proper latch?

• Football hold
• Cradle hold
• Side-lying position
• Cross-cradle hold

Correct Answer: A. Football hold

Rationale: The football hold allows better control and visibility to adjust the infant’s head and mouth for a deeper latch, accommodating tongue-tie challenges.

3 Question: What is a common sign of poor latch during breastfeeding?

• Audible swallowing
• Painful nipples
• Relaxed infant facial expression
• Steady milk flow

Correct Answer: B. Painful nipples

Rationale: Painful nipples indicate an improper latch, often due to the infant not taking enough of the areola into the mouth. 1 / 4

• Question: Which breastfeeding complication is characterized by a white patch on the

infant’s tongue?

• Thrush
• Mastitis
• Engorgement
• Plugged duct

Correct Answer: A. Thrush

Rationale: Thrush, caused by Candida albicans, presents as white patches that may not wipe off easily, requiring antifungal treatment.

• Question: What is the primary counseling technique to support a mother with low milk

supply concerns?

• Immediate formula supplementation
• Frequent breastfeeding or pumping
• Reducing feeding sessions
• Switching to donor milk

Correct Answer: B. Frequent breastfeeding or pumping

Rationale: Increasing demand through frequent feeding or pumping stimulates milk production via the supply-and-demand mechanism.

• Question: Which ethical principle requires lactation counselors to maintain client

confidentiality?

• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Justice
• Nonmaleficence

Correct Answer: A. Autonomy

Rationale: Autonomy includes respecting client privacy and confidentiality, a core ethical standard in lactation counseling.

• Question: What nutrient in human milk is critical for brain development in infants?
• Iron
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• Calcium
• Vitamin C

Correct Answer: B. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Rationale: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is essential for the development of the infant’s brain and retina.

• Question: Which professional standard requires lactation counselors to stay updated with

current practices?

• Continuing education
• Client referral
• Policy advocacy
• Peer review

Correct Answer: A. Continuing education

Rationale: Continuing education ensures counselors maintain competence and adhere to ALPP standards. 2 / 4

• Question: What is a potential cause of engorgement in the early postpartum period?
• Infrequent feeding
• Overproduction of milk
• Use of pacifiers
• Delayed lactation

Correct Answer: B. Overproduction of milk

Rationale: Overproduction, often due to delayed or infrequent feeding, leads to engorgement as milk accumulates.10 Question: Which intervention is most effective for a mother with a plugged duct?

• Warm compress and massage
• Cold therapy
• Antibiotic therapy
• Cessation of breastfeeding

Correct Answer: A. Warm compress and massage

Rationale: Warmth and massage promote milk flow and dislodge the plug, relieving the blockage.11 Question: What is the recommended frequency of breastfeeding for a newborn in the first week?

• Every 2-3 hours
• Every 6-8 hours
• Once daily
• Every 12 hours

Correct Answer: A. Every 2-3 hours

Rationale: Frequent feeding (8-12 times in 24 hours) supports milk supply and infant growth in the first week.12 Question: Which condition in the infant may indicate a need for referral to a specialist?

• Mild jaundice
• Cleft lip and palate
• Normal weight gain
• Good latch

Correct Answer: B. Cleft lip and palate

Rationale: Cleft lip and palate require specialized intervention for effective feeding and may need surgical correction.

13 Question: What is a key component of effective lactation counseling?

• Providing unsolicited advice
• Active listening and support
• Ignoring cultural preferences
• Focusing only on medical issues

Correct Answer: B. Active listening and support

Rationale: Active listening builds trust and tailors support to the mother’s needs and preferences.

14 Question: Which vitamin is naturally present in human milk but may require

supplementation for the infant?

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D 3 / 4

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Correct Answer: B. Vitamin D

Rationale: Human milk contains low levels of vitamin D, necessitating supplementation (400 IU/day) for breastfed infants.

15 Question: What is a common sign of mastitis in a breastfeeding mother?

• Increased milk supply
• Red, painful breast area
• Clear nasal discharge
• Improved latch

Correct Answer: B. Red, painful breast area

Rationale: Mastitis presents with localized redness, pain, and possibly fever, often requiring medical treatment.

16 Question: Which technique can help a mother with flat or inverted nipples?

• Using a nipple shield
• Reducing feeding frequency
• Applying ice before feeding
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact

Correct Answer: A. Using a nipple shield

Rationale: A nipple shield can assist with latching by providing a shape for the infant to grasp.17 Question: What is the primary goal of the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding”?

• To increase formula use
• To promote and support breastfeeding
• To reduce hospital stays
• To limit maternal nutrition

Correct Answer: B. To promote and support breastfeeding

Rationale: The 10 Steps, part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, aim to establish breastfeeding success.

18 Question: Which factor may contribute to a delay in lactogenesis II?

• Early and frequent feeding
• Cesarean delivery
• Adequate hydration
• Skin-to-skin contact

Correct Answer: B. Cesarean delivery

Rationale: Cesarean delivery can delay the hormonal shift needed for lactogenesis II due to surgical stress.19 Question: What is a recommended strategy for managing a fussy breastfed infant?

• Switching to bottle feeding
• Checking for hunger, comfort, or gas
• Reducing maternal diet variety
• Limiting feeding to one breast

Correct Answer: B. Checking for hunger, comfort, or gas

Rationale: Assessing common causes like hunger or discomfort helps address fussiness effectively.

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