A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who has hypoglycemia due to inadequate gluconeogenesis.
The nurse should understand that this condition occurs because preterm newborns have limited stores of which of the following substances?
Glycogen
Glucose
Insulin
Glucagon
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Glycogen. Preterm newborns have limited stores of glycogen, which is a substance made from glucose that is stored in the liver and muscle cells to be used later for energy. When blood glucose levels are low, the hormone glucagon signals the cells to convert glycogen back into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. However, preterm newborns have a reduced ability to produce glucagon and to use gluconeogenesis, which is the process of making new glucose from other sources. Therefore, they are at risk of hypoglycemia, which is a condition where blood glucose levels are too low to support normal brain function.
Choice B is wrong because glucose is the sugar that travels through the blood to fuel the cells, not a substance that is stored for later use.
Choice C is wrong because insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose from the blood, not a substance that is stored for later use.
Choice D is wrong because glucagon is a hormone that triggers the release of glucose from the liver and muscle cells, not a substance that is stored for later use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Bulging fontanelle.
A bulging fontanelle is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which can be caused by intracranial hemorrhage.
Late-onset VKDB is a condition that occurs in infants who have low levels of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.Most cases of late-onset VKDB present with intracranial hemorrhage.
Choice B. Sunken eyes is wrong because it is a sign of dehydration, not intracranial hemorrhage.
Choice C. Mottled skin is wrong because it is a sign of poor circulation or shock, not intracranial hemorrhage.
Choice D. Flaring nostrils is wrong because it is a sign of respiratory distress, not intracranial hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for vitamin K plasma concentrations are 0.2 to 3.2 ng/mL for adults and 0.15 to 1.5 ng/mL for infants.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Nasal flaring and grunting are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn and should alert the nurse to a potential problem.
The nurse should monitor the newborn’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and chest movements, and notify the provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Choice A is wrong because molding of the head is a normal finding in a newborn who was delivered vaginally.
It is caused by the pressure of the birth canal on the skull bones and usually resolves within a few days.
Choice B is wrong because acrocyanosis of hands and feet is a normal finding in a newborn during the first 24 hours of life.
It is caused by poor peripheral circulation and does not indicate hypoxia or cyanosis.
Choice D is wrong because vernix caseosa on skin folds is a normal finding in a newborn.
It is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from amniotic fluid and helps with thermoregulation.
It usually disappears within a few days.
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