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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Anti-Glycan Neu5Gc Antibodies (AGNA) are antibodies that recognize a carbohydrate antigen called N- glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), which is found in animal-derived foods and tissues, but not in humans¹². Humans can incorporate Neu5Gc from their diet into their own cells, which can trigger an immune response and the production of AGNA¹².
- AGNA has been associated with various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and cancer¹². AGNA may also play a role in the rejection of bioprosthetic heart valves, which are made from animal tissues that contain Neu5Gc¹.
- A client with carcinoma in situ of the left breast is a client with a non-invasive form of breast cancer, where the abnormal cells are confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast. This type of cancer has a high chance of cure with surgery and/or radiation therapy.
- Increased levels of AGNA in a client with carcinoma in situ of the left breast may indicate that the client has an increased risk of inflammation and infection, as AGNA can activate the complement system and recruit inflammatory cells to the site of Neu5Gc expression¹². This may impair the healing process and increase the chances of complications after surgery or radiation therapy.
- Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) should anticipate that the client's plan of care will include the initiation of changes in infection control measures, such as prophylactic antibiotics, wound care, sterile dressing changes, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection (such as fever, redness, swelling, pain, or pus). These measures will help to prevent or treat any potential infection and promote wound healing.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer, while options B, C, and D are incorrect.
Option B is incorrect because increasing the client's dietary servings of fruits and vegetables may not have a significant impact on the levels of AGNA or Neu5Gc in the client's body.
Option C is incorrect because limiting the client's fluid intake to avoid hemodilution may not be necessary or beneficial for the client's condition.
Option D is incorrect because avoiding the client's exposure to cold temperatures may not be relevant or helpful for the client's condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the observation that indicates that the UAPs need additional information about the turning procedure because it is incorrect and may cause complications for the client. The client who had a hip arthroplasty with prosthesis placement should not keep both legs straight and together while turning because this may cause dislocation of the prosthesis, nerve damage, or bleeding. The client should keep the affected leg slightly abducted and supported with pillows or an abduction device.
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