A charge nurse in a newborn nursery is providing information to a group of nurses about risk factors for hypoglycemia. Which of the following risk factors should the charge nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale:

A. Check for a disconnection in the ventilator tubing: A disconnection typically causes a low-pressure alarm, not an increase in peak airway pressure, and would not be the appropriate first response in this case.

B. Assess the ET for a cuff leak: A cuff leak would decrease airway pressure, potentially causing a low-pressure alarm. It is not associated with increased peak airway pressure alarms.

C. Verify the placement of the ET: ET tube misplacement can lead to ventilation issues, but it does not directly cause increased peak pressures unless malposition leads to obstruction, which would be less common.

D. Check for a kink in the ventilator tubing: A kink or obstruction in the tubing increases airway resistance and can cause high peak airway pressure alarms. Resolving the kink can restore normal pressure.

E. Suction the ET to remove secretions: Mucus plugging or secretion buildup increases resistance in the airway, raising peak pressures. Suctioning helps alleviate the obstruction and reduce alarm triggers.

Rationale:

A. Maternal diabetes: Infants born to diabetic mothers are at increased risk for hypoglycemia due to elevated insulin levels stimulated by maternal hyperglycemia. After birth, the abrupt loss of maternal glucose can lead to a rapid drop in the infant’s blood sugar.

B. Prematurity: Premature infants have limited glycogen stores and immature metabolic systems, making them more susceptible to hypoglycemia. Their inability to effectively regulate glucose levels increases their risk after birth.

C. Hypothermia: Cold stress increases metabolic demands and glucose consumption. As the infant uses more energy to maintain body temperature, blood glucose levels can drop rapidly if not closely monitored and managed.

D. Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet counts may indicate other underlying conditions but are not directly associated with hypoglycemia. It is more relevant to clotting and bleeding risks rather than glucose regulation.

E. Anemia: Anemia affects oxygen-carrying capacity but does not have a direct link to blood glucose control. While it may indicate other health issues, it is not a recognized independent risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia.