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
nswer: b. Encouraging the client to use the call bell for assistance. Explanation: Encouraging the client to use the call bell for assistance is the most important intervention for fall prevention. It promotes the client's involvement in their own safety and ensures that help is readily available when needed.
Incorrect choices: a. Placing a sign on the client's room door indicating fall risk is a helpful visual reminder, but it does not actively prevent falls. c. Providing a nonskid mat on the floor beside the client's bed can reduce the risk of slipping but does not address other factors that contribute to falls. d. Ensuring the client has adequate lighting in the room is important for preventing falls, but it is not the most critical intervention. The client's ability to seek assistance when needed is more crucial.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Hypoglycemia.
The newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia because of the maternal diabetes and the prematurity.Maternal diabetes causes fetal hyperinsulinism, which persists after birth and lowers the blood glucose level of the newborn.Prematurity causes inadequate glycogen stores and immature enzyme function, which also contribute to hypoglycemia.Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, cyanosis, seizures, and apnea.
Choice A is wrong because hyperglycemia is unlikely in a newborn with hyperinsulinism and deficient glycogen stores.
Choice C is wrong because hypertension is not a common complication of maternal diabetes or prematurity in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism is not related to maternal diabetes or prematurity.Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as lethargy, poor feeding, jaundice, and hypotonia.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the age, weight, and feeding status of the baby.
Generally, a level below 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) in symptomatic term newborns, below 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) in asymptomatic term newborns between 24 hours and 48 hours of life, or below 30 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) in preterm newborns in the first 48 hours is considered hypoglyc
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