The nurse checks the blood sugar of a 2 hour old newborn, and the glucometer reading is 32 mg/dl. Which action should the nurse take next?

Transfer the newborn to the NICU

Call the lab for a STAT blood glucose level

Initiate breastfeeding

Recognize this as a normal reading and document it

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Transferring the newborn to the NICU is not the best action to take next, because it does not address the immediate problem of low blood sugar. The newborn may need to be transferred to the NICU later, depending on the cause and severity of the hypoglycemia, but the first priority is to raise the blood glucose level.

Choice B reason:

Calling the lab for a STAT blood glucose level is not the best action to take next, because it will delay the treatment of hypoglycemia. The glucometer reading is a reliable indicator of low blood sugar, and waiting for a lab confirmation will waste valuable time. The nurse should act on the glucometer reading and initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Choice C reason:

Initiating breastfeeding is the best action to take next, because it will provide the newborn with a source of glucose that can raise the blood sugar level quickly. Breastfeeding also has other benefits for the newborn, such as promoting bonding, providing antibodies, and reducing the risk of infection. Breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of life for all newborns, unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason:

Recognizing this as a normal reading and documenting it is not the best action to take next, because it is not a normal reading for a 2 hour old newborn. The normal range of blood glucose for a newborn is 40 to 150 mg/dL. A reading of 32 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which can have serious consequences for the newborn's brain development and function. Hypoglycemia should be treated promptly and documented accordingly.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Monitoring the newborn's blood glucose level hourly is not necessary for a newborn undergoing phototherapy. Phototherapy does not affect blood glucose levels, and hourly monitoring would be too invasive and stressful for the newborn. •

Choice B reason:

Applying lotion to the newborn's skin twice per day is not recommended for a newborn undergoing phototherapy. Lotion can interfere with the effectiveness of the phototherapy and increase the risk of skin irritation or infection. •

Choice C reason:

Maintaining the newborn in a prone position is not advisable for a newborn undergoing phototherapy. The newborn should be positioned on alternate sides to expose as much skin surface as possible to the light source. •

Choice D reason:

Encouraging the newborn to breastfeed every 2 hr is an appropriate action for a newborn undergoing phototherapy. Frequent feeding helps to promote hydration and the elimination of bilirubin from the body.

A. "This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from pressure of the vacuum extractor.". B. "This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin.". C. "This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days.". D. "This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns.".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from pressure of the vacuum extractor. This is the correct answer because caput succedaneum is a swelling of the scalp that crosses the suture line and is caused by prolonged pressure on the baby's head during delivery. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Caput succedaneum is harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few days.

Choice B reason:

This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin. This is incorrect because erythema toxicum is a common rash that affects newborns, but it does not cause swelling of the scalp or cross the suture line. It appears as red blotches with small white or yellow bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. Erythema toxicum is also harmless and usually disappears within a week.

Choice C reason:

This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days. This is incorrect because cephalhematoma is bleeding under the scalp that does not cross the suture line and is caused by ruptured blood vessels in the scalp. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Cephalhematoma may take weeks or months to resolve and can increase the risk of jaundice.

Choice D reason:

This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns. This is incorrect because Mongolian spots are bluish-gray patches of skin that are present at birth and are caused by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) that are trapped in the deeper layers of the skin. They are not related to swelling or pressure on the head and usually fade by age 5.

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The nurse checks the blood sugar of a 2 hour old newborn, and the glucometer reading is 32 mg/dl. Which action should the nurse take next?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is updating the plan of care for a newborn who is undergoing phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered by vacuum extraction and has swelling on his head that crosses the suture line. The newborn's mother asks about the swelling on her newborn's head. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The purpose of the Bishop's score is to:

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