A nurse is performing a heel stick blood glucose test on a newborn who is preterm.
The nurse should apply a heel warmer to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample for which of the following reasons?
To prevent infection
To increase blood flow
To reduce pain
To prevent bruising
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. To increase blood flow. A heel warmer is applied to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample to increase the blood flow to the area and make it easier to collect the sample. A heel warmer can also reduce pain and bruising by dilating the blood vessels and reducing the need for multiple punctures.
Choice A is wrong because a heel warmer does not prevent infection. Infection prevention requires proper cleaning of the puncture site and disposal of the lancet.
Choice C is wrong because a heel warmer does not reduce pain by itself. Pain reduction requires other measures such as cuddling, feeding, and distraction.
Choice D is wrong because a heel warmer does not prevent bruising. Bruising prevention requires applying pressure to the puncture site after collecting the sample.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the method of measurement, but generally they are between 2.6 and 6.0 mmol/L.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Jitteriness.Jitteriness or tremors are the most common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body.In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons, such as poor nutrition for the mother during pregnancy, making too much insulin because the mother has diabetes, or not enough oxygen at birth.
Choice B. Tachycardia is wrong because it is not a typical sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Tachycardia is a fast heart rate that can be caused by other conditions, such as fever, infection, or dehydration.
Choice C. Hyperthermia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hyperthermia is a high body temperature that can be caused by overheating, infection, or inflammation.Hypoglycemia can cause low body temperature (hypothermia), not high body temperature.
Choice D. Hypertonia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hypertonia is increased muscle tone or stiffness that can be caused by brain damage, nerve damage, or genetic disorders.Hypoglycemia can cause weak or floppy muscles (poor muscle tone), not increased muscle tone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Decreased hCG levels are abnormal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.hCG is a hormone that plays an important role in pregnancy, and levels can vary widely at this time and between individuals.However, during early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every two to three days.Low or declining hCG levels can signal a problem with the pregnancy, such as an impending miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because unchanged hCG levels are also abnormal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.
As mentioned above, hCG levels should increase rapidly during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Choice C is wrong because increased hCG levels are normal regarding hCG levels in pregnancy.Levels of hCG can vary widely from one pregnant woman to another, but they generally peak at around 8 to 14 weeks after conception.
Choice D is wrong because increased prolactin levels are not related to hCG levels in pregnancy.
Prolactin is another hormone that stimulates milk production in the breasts.
Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but they do not affect hCG levels.
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