A nurse is caring for a newborn who has a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Encourage the mother to breastfeed the newborn.
Gavage feed 60 mL (2 oz) of glucose water.
Administer 10 mL of D5W via IV.
Recheck the glucose level in 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Breastfeeding is the recommended first line of action for a newborn with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL, which is on the lower end of the normal range (normal range: 40-60 mg/dL for a newborn). Breast milk provides a natural source of glucose and other nutrients essential for the newborn's growth and development. It also facilitates bonding and has immunological benefits. Early initiation of breastfeeding helps to stabilize the blood glucose levels naturally.
Choice B reason:
Gavage feeding 60 mL of glucose water is not the first choice for managing borderline low blood glucose levels in a newborn. This method is typically reserved for infants who cannot feed orally due to medical conditions or prematurity. It is an invasive procedure and can be stressful for the newborn.
Choice C reason:
Administering 10 mL of D5W (5% dextrose in water) via IV is a treatment for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), not for borderline low levels like 40 mg/dL. This intervention is usually considered when blood glucose levels are significantly lower than the normal range and the infant is symptomatic or unable to tolerate oral feedings.
Choice D reason:
Rechecking the glucose level in 2 hours is a passive approach and may not be appropriate for a newborn with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL. Immediate action, such as feeding, is preferred to prevent potential hypoglycemia and its associated risks.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"Retract the foreskin until you feel resistance." This advice is not recommended for newborns with an uncircumcised penis. The foreskin of most male babies doesn't yet pull back (retract) fully at birth, and forcing it back can cause pain, bleeding, and possible damage.
Choice B reason:
"Use a cotton swab to clean under the foreskin." This is not advisable for a newborn's uncircumcised penis. The foreskin is usually still attached to the glans and does not require any special cleaning inside. Using a cotton swab could potentially cause harm by forcing the foreskin back.
Choice C reason:
"Apply petroleum jelly to the foreskin." This instruction is more applicable to a circumcised penis during the healing process to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper. For an uncircumcised penis, there's no need to apply petroleum jelly as part of regular care.
Choice D reason:
"Wash the penis once per day with soap and water." This is the correct care for an uncircumcised penis. Parents should gently wash the genital area with mild soap and water during bath time without retracting the foreskin.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who gave birth 1 day ago and needs Rh(D) immune globulin should be seen soon but not necessarily first. Rh(D) immune globulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers with Rh- positive infants to prevent isoimmunization in future pregnancies.
Choice B rationale:
A client who gave birth 3 days ago and reports breast fullness is likely experiencing normal postpartum breast engorgement. This client can be attended to after the client with more urgent symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
A client who gave birth 12 hours ago and reports an increase in urinary output might have diuresis, which is a common postpartum physiological change. Although this requires assessment, it is not as urgent as the client in choice D.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should see the client who gave birth 8 hours ago and is saturating a perineal pad every hour first because excessive postpartum bleeding could indicate hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening complication. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial in this situation.
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