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

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a condition that is most commonly seen in individuals with diabetes. Symptoms can include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Choice B rationale

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, or a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, and chest pain.

Choice C rationale

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. The far more common type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.

Choice D rationale

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. If the nurse is reviewing the client’s medical records and actions to be taken, it is likely that the client is experiencing hypertension.

Choice A rationale

Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is not known to weaken uterine contractions. It is often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce complications associated with prematurity.

Choice B rationale

Betamethasone can potentially increase blood glucose levels, not decrease them. This is particularly relevant in women with gestational diabetes, as corticosteroids can exacerbate hyperglycemia.

Choice C rationale

Betamethasone does not typically decrease the fetal heart rate. Instead, it is used to help mature the lungs of the fetus.

Choice D rationale

Betamethasone is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs. Surfactant is a substance that prevents the small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, thereby aiding in the baby’s ability to breathe after birth.