A nurse is reinforcing teaching about appropriate exercises during pregnancy with a client who is at 24 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements indicates a need for additional teaching?

Choice A:

Temperature is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it is abnormally high or low. The normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B:

Respiratory findings are not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless they indicate respiratory distress or infection. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.

Choice C:

Serum glucose is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is higher than the normal range for a newborn. The normal serum glucose level for a newborn is usually just under 2 mmol/L (or 25 mg/dL) at birth, and it will rise to over 3 mmol/L (or 60 to 100 mg/dL) within two to three days. A serum glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which can have various causes and complications.

Choice D:

Hematocrit is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 44% to 64%. A hematocrit level of 35% indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.

Choice E:

White blood cell count is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm³.

Choice F:

Hemoglobin is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.

Choice A reason:

This is incorrect because formula-fed newborns typically have one or more stools per day, not every 3 days. Stooling less frequently than once a day may indicate constipation.

Choice B reason:

This is correct because breastfed newborns usually have two to three stools per day, which are soft and yellow. Breastfed babies may also have stools less frequently, even once every 10-14 days, as long as the stool is soft.

Choice C reason:

This is incorrect because newborns should be fed formula on demand, not on a strict schedule. The average feeding interval for formula-fed newborns is about 3 to 4 hours.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because newborns should be breastfed eight to 12 times per day, not five to seven times. Breastfeeding more frequently helps to establish milk supply and prevent engorgement. - Stanford Medicine.