A nursery nurse is caring for a newborn who was born 2 hours ago.
Upon review of the prenatal records, the nurse notes the following prenatal panel results: A positive, Hepatitis B positive, RPR negative, Rubella immune, HIV negative, GBS positive.
In addition to Vitamin K and Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, what injection(s) should the newborn receive?

Choice A rationale

Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale

While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate..

Choice C rationale

Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide..

Choice D rationale

While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level..

Choice A rationale

Stretching arms out and then back in is a common reflex in newborns known as the Moro reflex. It is not a sign of feeding readiness but rather a response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise.

Choice B rationale

Turning the head toward a parent’s voice is a sign of auditory recognition and bonding, not necessarily feeding readiness. It indicates the infant’s ability to recognize familiar sounds.

Choice C rationale

Grasping a parent’s finger when placed in the infant’s palm is a primitive reflex known as the palmar grasp reflex. It is not related to feeding readiness but is a normal reflexive action in newborns.

Choice D rationale

Bringing their hand to their mouth is a sign of feeding readiness. This action indicates that the infant is hungry and ready to feed. It is an early cue that the baby is ready to eat.