A nurse is caring for a newborn who has macrosomia and whose mother has diabetes mellitus. The nurse should recognize which of the following newborn complications as the priority focus of care?
Hypocalcemia
Hyperbilirubinemia
Hypomagnesemia
Hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hypocalcemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of calcium in the blood that can cause muscle twitching, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias. Hypocalcemia can affect newborns who have mothers with diabetes mellitus, but it is less common and less severe than hypoglycemia.
Choice B reason: Hyperbilirubinemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a high level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Hyperbilirubinemia can affect newborns who have macrosomia, but it is usually a benign and self-limiting condition that resolves within a few days.
Choice C reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of magnesium in the blood that can cause tremors, tetany, or seizures. Hypomagnesemia can affect newborns who have mothers with diabetes mellitus, but it is rare and usually asymptomatic.
Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of glucose in the blood that can cause diaphoresis, jitteriness, lethargy, or apnea. Hypoglycemia can affect newborns who have macrosomia and mothers with diabetes mellitus, as they have increased insulin production and decreased glucose supply after birth. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure is not the most appropriate action, as it is not directly related to the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs are more indicative of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can affect newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or have diabetic mothers.
Choice B reason: Initiating phototherapy is not the most appropriate action, as it is used to treat hyperbilirubinemia, which is a high level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Hyperbilirubinemia does not cause diaphoresis, jitteriness, or lethargy.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the most appropriate action, as it can confirm the diagnosis of hypoglycemia, which is the most likely cause of the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. The nurse should perform a heel stick using a sterile lancet and a glucose meter, and obtain a blood sample from the lateral aspect of the heel. The nurse should also provide warmth, stimulation, and feeding to the newborn, and report the blood glucose level to the provider.
Choice D reason: Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer is not the most appropriate action, as it can cause dehydration, fluid loss, and further hypoglycemia. The nurse should use a radiant warmer only if the newborn is hypothermic, which is a low body temperature that can also affect newborns. The nurse should monitor the newborn's temperature and skin color, and adjust the warmer accordingly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nervousness is a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, which is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and relaxes the uterine smooth muscle. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can provide reassurance and comfort to the client.
Choice B reason: Tremors are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes increased muscle activity and shakiness. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can monitor the client's vital signs and electrolyte levels, and advise the client to avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
Choice C reason: Dyspnea is an uncommon and serious side effect of terbutaline, as it can indicate pulmonary edema, which is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for interventions, such as oxygen therapy, diuretics, or discontinuation of terbutaline.
Choice D reason: Headaches are also a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, as it causes vasodilation and increased blood flow to the brain. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can administer analgesics as prescribed, and encourage the client to rest and hydrate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
