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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The client may be experiencing postoperative delirium, which is a transient state of confusion, disorientation, agitation, or hallucinations that can occur after surgery, especially in elderly clients. The PN should raise the side rails and notify the family to come and stay with the client, as this can provide safety, comfort, and reassurance for the client.

The other options are not correct because:

A. Administering a prescribed narcotic antagonist may not be appropriate or necessary, as the client's agitation may not be caused by analgesic accumulation, but by other factors such as hypoxia, infection, electrolyte imbalance, or sensory deprivation.

B. Notifying the healthcare provider and requesting a prescription for restraints may not be the best intervention, as restraints can increase the client's agitation, anxiety, or injury. Restraints should be used only as a last resort when other measures have failed or when there is an imminent risk of harm.

D. Instructing a UAP to keep the upper side rails up and check on the client every 15 minutes may not be sufficient or eﬀective, as the client may still try to get out of bed or become more agitated by being left alone. The PN should involve the family or stay with the client until he or she is calm and oriented.

A. Oﬀer the client a prescribed sleep medication. B. Reposition the client and provide a back rub. C. Administer an as needed (PRN) prescription for pain. D. Provide a cup of hot chocolate at bedtime.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This is the best initial intervention for the PN to implement because it promotes comfort, relaxation, and circulation for the client. A back rub can also reduce anxiety and muscle tension, which can interfere with sleep. The PN should use non-pharmacological methods to facilitate sleep before resorting to medication.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An elderly client is 12-hours postoperative for a hernia repair and suddenly becomes agitated, staggers out into the corridor, and demands to be set free. After assisting the client back to bed and administering pain medication, which intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who had orthopedic surgery three days ago verbalizes difficulty in sleeping. Which initial intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

An older adult female asks the practical nurse (PN) if she should get a Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination because she gets cold sores on her mouth when she is sick or stressed. Which response should the PN provide?

An adolescent who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the age of 9, is admitted to the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis. Which occurrence is the most likely cause of the ketoacidosis?

The nurse is performing a functional assessment on an older client who lost five pounds (2.27 Kg) of weight since the last visit 12 weeks ago, and who reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Which action should the nurse include during the assessment?

The practical nurse (PN) prepares to remove a client's saline lock. Which supplies should the PN gather? (Select all that apply.)

Which statement by a mature adult client with advanced prostate cancer best indicates that he has reached a level of acceptance of his prognosis?

Patient Data Exhibits Which are the nurse's best responses? Select all that apply.