A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a preterm infant who has anemia of prematurity.

Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?

Reticulocyte count 2%.

A reticulocyte count measures the percentage of immature red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood.A low reticulocyte count indicates that the bone marrow is not producing enough RBCs, which is a characteristic feature of anemia of prematurity (AOP).A normal reticulocyte count for preterm infants is 3-6%.

Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin 10 g/dL is within the normal range for preterm infants.

Hemoglobin is the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen.

A low hemoglobin level indicates anemia.

Choice B is wrong because hematocrit 30% is within the normal range for preterm infants.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by RBCs.

A low hematocrit level indicates anemia.

Choice D is wrong because platelet count 150,000/mm3 is within the normal range for preterm infants.

Platelets are cell fragments that help with blood clotting.

A low platelet count indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a different condition from anemia.

This is because hypoglycemia in newborns can cause seizures, brain damage, and developmental delays, and frequent monitoring can help detect and correct low blood glucose levels promptly.

Some additional information about the other choices are:

Choice B. Administer glucagon subcutaneously as prescribed.This is wrong because glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism, which is a rare condition in newborns.Most cases of hypoglycemia in term infants are due to transient factors such as delayed feeding, maternal diabetes, or perinatal stress.

Choice C. Discontinue IV dextrose when blood glucose reaches 60 mg/dL.This is wrong because 60 mg/dL is still below the normal range of blood glucose for newborns, which is 70 to 100 mg/dL.Discontinuing IV dextrose too early can cause rebound hypoglycemia and increase the risk of neurologic complications.

Choice D. Feed breast milk or formula every four hours.This is wrong because feeding every four hours may not be enough to maintain adequate blood glucose levels in newborns with hypoglycemia.Infants with hypoglycemia should be fed more frequently, such as every two to three hours, or on demand.Breast milk or formula can also be supplemented with IV dextrose if needed.