What are signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn? Select all that apply.
Tremors
Lethargy
Hunger
Jaundice
Weak cry
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A:
Tremors. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause shakiness or jitteriness in the muscles. •
Choice B:
Lethargy. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause low energy, poor feeding, or lack of interest in eating.
Choice C:
Hunger. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can actually reduce the appetite or cause feeding difficulties.
Choice D:
Jaundice. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, not low levels of glucose.
Choice E:
Weak cry. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can affect the vocal cords and the respiratory system, causing a weak or high-pitched cry.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Blood pressure is not a priority finding for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Blood pressure is usually normal or slightly elevated in NAS, and it is not a reliable indicator of the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Gastrointestinal disturbances are a common and serious finding for a newborn with NAS. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and poor weight gain. Projectile vomiting can also increase the risk of aspiration. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice C reason:
Skin color is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Acrocyanosis (bluish color of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate hypoxia or poor circulation. It usually resolves within the first few days of life.
Choice D reason:
NAS score is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the need for pharmacological treatment. It is based on a set of clinical signs and symptoms that are scored at regular intervals. However, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment and individualized care. The NAS score alone does not determine the urgency of follow-up.
Choice E reason:
Temperature is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. The temperature may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of infection or withdrawal. Temperature regulation is important for newborns, but it is not an immediate concern in this case.
Choice F reason:
Oxygen saturation is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions (inward movement of the chest wall) are signs of respiratory distress, which can compromise oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. Hypoxia (low oxygen level) can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death if not corrected promptly. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice G reason:
Central nervous system disturbances are a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Increased muscle tone, tremors, high-pitched cries, and seizures are signs of neurological dysfunction, which can indicate brain injury, bleeding, or infection. Seizures can also worsen hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice H reason:
Respiratory rate is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Respiratory rate may be increased or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of respiratory distress or infection. Respiratory rate should be monitored along with other vital signs, but.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypoglycemia is a common complication for newborns whose mothers have diabetes mellitus. This is because the newborn's pancreas produces excessive insulin in response to the high glucose levels in the mother's blood during pregnancy. After birth, the newborn's glucose levels drop rapidly, while the insulin levels remain high, resulting in hypoglycemia. The nurse should monitor the newborn's blood glucose levels and signs of hypoglycemia, such as jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding, and temperature instability.
Choice B reason:
Decreased RBC is not a likely complication for newborns whose mothers have diabetes mellitus. In fact, these newborns may have increased RBC due to chronic fetal hypoxia caused by placental insufficiency. The nurse should monitor the newborn's hematocrit and signs of polycythemia, such as ruddy skin, jaundice, and respiratory distress.
Choice C reason:
Hyperbilirubinemia is not a likely complication for newborns whose mothers have diabetes mellitus. In fact, these newborns may have increased bilirubin levels due to hemolysis of excess RBC and delayed hepatic clearance. The nurse should monitor the newborn's serum bilirubin levels and signs of jaundice, such as yellow skin and sclera, poor feeding, and lethargy.
Choice D reason:
Hypercalcemia is not a likely complication for newborns whose mothers have diabetes mellitus. In fact, these newborns may have hypocalcemia due to decreased parathyroid hormone secretion and increased calcium binding to albumin. The nurse should monitor the newborn's serum calcium levels and signs of hypocalcemia, such as jitteriness, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
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