A macrosomic infant is born after a difficult forceps-assisted delivery.
After stabilization, the infant is weighed, and the birth weight is 4550 g (9 lbs, 6 ounces). The nurse’s most appropriate action is to:
Leave the infant in the room with the mother.
Take the infant immediately to the nursery.
Perform a gestational age assessment to determine whether the infant is large for gestational age.
Monitor blood glucose levels frequently and observe closely for signs of hypoglycemia.
The Correct Answer is D
choice D. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently and observe closely for signs of hypoglycemia. This is because a macrosomic infant (a newborn who’s much larger than average) is at risk of developing low blood sugar levels after birth, especially if the mother has diabetes. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage in the newborn, so it is important to detect and treat it promptly.
Choice A is wrong because leaving the infant in the room with the mother without monitoring the blood glucose levels may miss signs of hypoglycemia and delay treatment.
Choice B is wrong because taking the infant immediately to the nursery may separate the infant from the mother and interfere with breastfeeding, which can help prevent hypoglycemia.
Choice C is wrong because performing a gestational age assessment to determine whether the infant is large for gestational age is not urgent and does not address the risk of hypoglycemia.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in term infants are 2.6 mmol/L or higher at any time. A blood glucose level of 2.5 mmol/L or less is considered hypoglycemic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Children with asthma who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently to monitor for this increased risk because some studies have shown a growth delay in children treated with moderate to high doses of inhaled steroids. This appears to occur only during the first year of treatment and may be reversible.
Choice A is wrong because cough is not a side effect of inhaled steroids, but a symptom of asthma itself.
Choice B is wrong because osteoporosis is not a common side effect of inhaled steroids in children, but a possible risk for adults who use high doses of inhaled steroids or oral steroids.
Choice D is wrong because Cushing’s syndrome is not a side effect of inhaled steroids, but a rare complication of oral steroids.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“You may need to increase the caloric density of your infant’s formula.” This is because infants with heart failure have increased metabolic needs and may not be able to consume enough volume to meet their nutritional requirements. Increasing the caloric density of the formula can help them achieve adequate growth and development without overloading their heart.
Choice B is wrong because feeding the baby every 2 hours may cause fatigue and dehydration. Infants with heart failure should be fed every 3 to 4 hours or on demand.
Choice C is wrong because increasing the amount of formula may cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Infants with heart failure should be fed small, frequent amounts of formula.
Choice D is wrong because placing a nasal oxygen cannula on the infant during and after each feeding may not be necessary or beneficial. Oxygen therapy should be prescribed by a physician based on the infant’s oxygen saturation levels and clinical signs of hypoxia.
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