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 B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Hypoglycemia.Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too low, which can affect the brain function and cause symptoms such as jitteriness, poor feeding, and seizures.Hypoglycemia is common in newborns, especially in preterm, small for gestational age, and infants of diabetic mothers.
Choice A is wrong because hyperglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too high, which can cause dehydration, increased urination, and ketoacidosis.Hyperglycemia does not usually cause seizures in newborns.
Choice C is wrong because hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure is too high, which can cause damage to the blood vessels and organs.Hypertension can cause seizures in older children and adults, but it is rare in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because hypocalcemia is a condition where the calcium level in the blood is too low, which can affect the nerve and muscle function and cause symptoms such as twitching, spasms, and tetany.Hypocalcemia can also cause seizures in newborns, but it is less common than hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
No explanation
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