Which of the following is a risk associated with misidentification in newborns?

Misidentification in newborns can lead to serious consequences, and one of the most critical risks is feeding a mother's breastmilk to the wrong newborn. This situation arises because improper identification can result in a newborn receiving milk intended for another baby, which can have various implications, including potential allergic reactions, transmission of infections, or emotional distress for both the infant and the mother. The integrity of breastfeeding practices is essential for the health of both the mother and the child, and any deviation can disrupt bonding and nutritional needs.

Addressing the other risks mentioned, while excessive paperwork burden, increased hospital costs, and delays in treatment administration are valid concerns associated with misidentification, they do not carry the immediate health implications that can arise from misidentifying which newborn should receive a specific breastmilk supply. This emphasizes the critical nature of accurate identification processes in avoiding direct harm to patients, especially in vulnerable populations like newborns.