A nurse is collecting data from a late-preterm newborn.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes typically leads to increased urination, or polyuria, not decreased urination. Elevated blood glucose levels overwhelm the renal tubules' reabsorption capacity, leading to glucose spilling into the urine, which then draws water osmotically, increasing urine output.

Choice B rationale

Shallow respirations are not a direct manifestation of hyperglycemia in this context. While severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, can lead to Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing) due to metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia alone typically does not cause shallow respirations.

Choice C rationale

Thirst, or polydipsia, is a classic manifestation of hyperglycemia. High blood glucose levels increase the osmolality of the blood, stimulating osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, which then trigger the sensation of thirst as the body attempts to dilute the excess glucose and restore fluid balance.

Choice D rationale

While hunger (polyphagia) is a common symptom in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes due to cellular inability to utilize glucose, in gestational diabetes with hyperglycemia, hunger is not a predominant or consistent symptom. The body typically has sufficient insulin, but there is insulin resistance or insufficient production.

Choice A rationale

Late-preterm newborns, born between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation, have immature physiological systems. Their underdeveloped thermoregulatory centers and reduced subcutaneous fat make them highly susceptible to heat loss, leading to thermal instability and hypothermia risk.

Choice B rationale

Leathery skin is characteristic of a post-term newborn, typically born at 42 weeks of gestation or beyond. This is due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, resulting in desiccation, cracking, and peeling, a sign of post-maturity, not late-preterm status.

Choice C rationale

Late-preterm newborns are more prone to hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Their immature liver glycogen stores, increased metabolic demands, and inefficient gluconeogenesis make them vulnerable to low blood glucose levels, particularly during periods of stress or inadequate feeding.

Choice D rationale

An alert, wide-eyed appearance is more characteristic of a full-term or post-term newborn. Late-preterm newborns often exhibit less mature neurological development, appearing sleepier, less alert, and demonstrating weaker sucking reflexes due to their developmental immaturity.