A nurse is assessing a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

- A is incorrect because IV tubing for total parenteral nutrition should be changed every 24 hours to prevent infection.

- B is incorrect because abdominal distention is not an expected effect of total parenteral nutrition. It could indicate a complication such as fluid overload or bowel obstruction.

- C is incorrect because gastric residual is not relevant for total parenteral nutrition, which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.

- D is correct because weight measurement is an important indicator of fluid balance and nutritional status for clients receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Choice A rationale:

A random plasma glucose level of 176 mg/dL indicates high blood sugar at the time of the test. Random glucose levels are not ideal for assessing glycemic control as they can vary based on recent food intake and stressors.

Choice B rationale:

Triglyceride levels are not used to assess glycemic control. They measure the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream and are related to lipid metabolism, not glucose control.

Choice C rationale:

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. An HbA1c level of 6.8% indicates acceptable glycemic control in a person with diabetes. The normal range for HbA1c is typically less than 6.5%. This test reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, giving a better understanding of overall glucose control.

Choice D rationale:

Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated. While fasting blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are generally considered normal, levels between 100-125 mg/dL are considered prediabetic, and levels above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions indicate diabetes. The result provided falls within the prediabetic range but does not indicate optimal glycemic control.