The birth weight of an infant delivered by a woman with gestational diabetes is 10.1 pounds (4,581 grams). The infant is jitery and has a heel stick glucose level of 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) 30 minutes after birth. Based on this information, which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?

Reference range:

Blood glucose neonate: [30 to 60 mg/dL or 1.7 to 3.3 mmol/L]

Oﬀer nipple feedings of 10% dextrose.

Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula

Repeat the heel stick for glucose in one hour

Assess for signs of hypocalcemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

b. Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula.

The infant has hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level that can cause jiteriness, lethargy, seizures, or coma. Hypoglycemia is common in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, as they produce excess insulin in response to high maternal glucose levels. The PN should begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula, as this can provide a source of glucose and stimulate the infant's own glucose production.

The other options are not correct because:

a. Oﬀering nipple feedings of 10% dextrose may be indicated in some cases of severe hypoglycemia, but it is not the first intervention. The PN should try oral feedings of breast milk or formula first, as they are more natural and less invasive.

c. Repeating the heel stick for glucose in one hour may be necessary to monitor the infant's glucose level, but it is not the first intervention. The PN should treat the hypoglycemia first, as it can have serious consequences if left untreated.

d. Assessing for signs of hypocalcemia may be important, as hypocalcemia is another possible complication in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, but it is not the first intervention. The PN should address the hypoglycemia first, as it is more urgent and more likely to cause jiteriness.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care is unnecessary at this moment. The immediate concern is ensuring the client's safety during the procedure.

B. Stopping the procedure and instructing the UAP to place the client in Fowler's position (or at least semi-Fowler's) is the correct action. This position helps prevent aspiration during oral hygiene for an unconscious client.

C. Praising the UAP for performing oral hygiene does not address the safety risk present in this situation. While family participation is encouraged, it should not be the focus here.

D. Telling the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely is incorrect, as the flat side-lying position increases the risk of aspiration. Ensuring the client is positioned properly is essential for their safety.

A. Notify the healthcare provider. B. Document the events leading to the error in the nurse's notes. C. Complete an incident report documenting the facts. D. Assess the client for any adverse effects.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect- While notifying the healthcare provider is an important step to take after an error, it's not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate concern is the client's safety and well-being, so assessing the client for any adverse effects of the incorrect dose is the priority.
B) Incorrect- Documentation is important, but it's not the first action to take after administering an incorrect medication dose. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client for any adverse effects and ensuring their immediate safety.
C) Incorrect- Completing an incident report is an important step to document errors and prevent future occurrences, but it's not the initial action to take. First, the nurse should focus on the client's well-being by assessing for adverse effects.
D) Correct- Assessing the client for any adverse effects is the immediate priority when an incorrect dose of medication has been administered. The nurse's first concern is the safety and health of the client. Once the client's condition has been assessed and stabilized, further actions can be taken, such as notifying the healthcare provider and completing incident reports.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing oral hygiene on an unconscious client who is lying in a ﬂat side-lying position with an emesis basin on the bedside table near the chin. Which action should the PN take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

What action should the nurse take first when a client is inadvertently given an incorrect dose of a medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Given there is a positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

While receiving report for a client with carcinoma in situ of the left breast, the practical nurse (PN) reviews a pending lab report and notices increased levels of Anti-Glycan Neu5Gc Antibodies (AGNA). Which changes should the PN anticipate to be included in the client's plan of care?

The nurse is managing 4 clients in the intensive care unit who are mechanically ventilated. After performing a quick visual assessment, the nurse should prioritize care for the client who is exhibiting which finding.

A client is being treated for chronic kidney disease (CKD). On examination, the client has an elevated blood pressure (BP) and is exhibiting changes in mental status. Which intervention in the plan of care should the practical nurse (PN) implement?

A chronically depressed older male resident of a long-term care facility has become more reclusive and today refuses to leave his room. His family has moved away and are unable to visit as much as in the past. Which comment by the practical nurse (PN) is likely to be most helpful to this client?

When conducting diet teaching for a client who is on a postoperative full-liquid diet, which food(s) should the nurse encourage the client to eat? (Select all that apply.)