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A nurse is caring for a neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the newborn is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the newborn’s progress.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is []

Hyperbilirubinemia

  • Symptoms: The neonate does show signs of jaundice (yellowish skin), which is a symptom of hyperbilirubinemia. However, the primary concern here is the low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), which is more immediately life-threatening and needs urgent attention.
  • Diagnostic Results: The total serum bilirubin level is 5 mg/dL, which is elevated but not critically high. Hyperbilirubinemia might be a secondary concern, but the immediate symptoms and diagnostic results point more towards hypoglycemia.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

  • Symptoms: NAS typically occurs in newborns exposed to addictive substances in utero, leading to withdrawal symptoms after birth. Common symptoms include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, and feeding difficulties.
  • History: There is no mention of maternal substance use or withdrawal symptoms like frequent yawning or irritability. The jitteriness and poor feeding could overlap with NAS, but the history of gestational diabetes and the low blood glucose level make hypoglycemia a more likely diagnosis.

Summary

  • Hypoglycemia: The neonate’s symptoms (jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding) and the critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL) strongly indicate hypoglycemia. This condition is common in infants of diabetic mothers and large-for-gestational-age infants.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale

While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate..

Choice C rationale

Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide..

Choice D rationale

While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level..

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Faint red marks on the plantar surface are more common in preterm infants and are not typically seen in post-term infants.

Choice B rationale

Copious vernix is usually seen in preterm infants. Post-term infants often have little to no vernix.

Choice C rationale

Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term infants due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid.

Choice D rationale

Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants. Post-term infants usually have more developed hair.

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