A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth.
The nurse recognizes that which of the following respiratory rates is within the expected reference range for a newborn?

Choice A rationale

While respiratory distress can be a serious condition in infants, it is not the leading cause of death among this age group. Other conditions, such as sudden infant death syndrome and complications from premature birth, are more common causes of death in infants.

Choice B rationale

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is indeed a leading cause of death among infants. It is a significant health concern and a major cause of post-neonatal death. SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.

Choice C rationale

Congenital anomalies can cause death in infants, but they are not the leading cause. Conditions such as SIDS and complications from premature birth are more common causes of infant death.

Choice D rationale

Low birth weight can contribute to health problems in infants and increase the risk of infant mortality. However, it is not the leading cause of death among infants. Conditions such as SIDS and complications from premature birth are more common causes.

Potential Condition:

• B. Type 1 diabetes mellitus

The client’s symptoms of fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, and headache, along with a high blood glucose level and HbA1C, suggest that they are experiencing hyperglycemia, a condition common in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Actions to Take:

• B. Teach the client about the signs of hyperglycemia.
• D. Assess the client’s feet for sensation.

Teaching the client about the signs of hyperglycemia will help them recognize when their blood sugar is high and take appropriate action. Assessing the client’s feet for sensation is also important as diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which can result in a loss of sensation in the feet.

Parameters to Monitor:

• B. Blood pressure
• D. Fingerstick blood glucose

Monitoring the client’s blood pressure is important as hypertension can be a complication of diabetes. Regularly checking the client’s fingerstick blood glucose levels will help ensure that their diabetes is being effectively managed.