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]

The PN should palpate the rate and volume of the pulse, measure body weight at the same time daily, and observe the color and amount of urine when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of fluid volume excess. These actions can help detect changes in the cardiovascular, renal, and fluid balance systems that may indicate fluid overload, such as tachycardia, bounding pulse, weight gain, edema, oliguria, or dark urine.

The other options are not correct because:

b. Checking fingernails for the presence of clubbing is not relevant for assessing fluid volume excess, as clubbing is a sign of chronic hypoxia or lung disease that causes enlargement of the fingertips and nails.

e. Comparing muscle strength of both arms is not relevant for assessing fluid volume excess, as muscle weakness is not a specific sign of fluid overload, but may be caused by various factors such as electrolyte imbalance, nerve damage, or fatigue.

This client has the highest priority, as he or she may be experiencing an acute asthma attack that can compromise the airway and oxygenation. The PN should assess the client's respiratory status, administer bronchodilators, and monitor for improvement or deterioration.

B. A 7-year-old child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is experiencing extreme hunger and shakiness.

This client has the second highest priority, as he or she may be experiencing hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level that can cause neurologic symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma. The PN should check the client's blood glucose level, provide a source of glucose, and monitor for recovery or complications.

C. A 10-year-old child with bleeding lacerations on both knees after falling on the playground.

This client has the third highest priority, as he or she may have a risk of infection or blood loss from the wounds. The PN should clean and dress the lacerations, apply pressure if needed, and check for signs of infection or inflammation.

D. A 5-year-old child who is crying uncontrollably because of an incontinent bowel episode.

This client has the lowest priority, as he or she does not have a life-threatening or urgent condition, but a psychosocial or emotional issue. The PN should provide comfort and reassurance to the child, change his or her clothes, and explore the possible causes of the incontinence.