A charge nurse in a newborn nursery is providing information to a group of nurses about risk factors for hypoglycemia. Which of the following risk factors should the charge nurse include? (Select all that apply)
Hypothermia
Thrombocytopenia
Prematurity
Anemia
Maternal diabetes
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A reason: Hypothermia increases metabolic demand in newborns, depleting glucose stores rapidly. Neonates have limited glycogen reserves, and cold stress accelerates glucose use for thermogenesis, risking hypoglycemia. This is critical in nurseries, as thermoregulation is essential to prevent metabolic imbalances in vulnerable infants.
Choice B reason: Thrombocytopenia, low platelet count, affects clotting, not glucose metabolism. It may occur in sepsis but does not directly cause hypoglycemia. Glucose regulation depends on liver function and insulin balance, not platelets, making this irrelevant to hypoglycemia risk in newborns.
Choice C reason: Prematurity heightens hypoglycemia risk due to immature liver glycogen stores and limited gluconeogenesis. Preterm infants have high metabolic demands and low reserves, increasing susceptibility to low blood glucose, necessitating close monitoring and early feeding to stabilize glucose levels.
Choice D reason: Anemia, low red blood cell count, impacts oxygen delivery but not glucose metabolism directly. Severe anemia may increase metabolic stress, but it is not a primary hypoglycemia cause. Glucose regulation relies on hepatic and insulin functions, not hematologic status, in newborns.
Choice E reason: Maternal diabetes causes fetal hyperinsulinemia from maternal hyperglycemia, leading to neonatal hypoglycemia post-birth. Excess insulin depletes glucose stores after umbilical cord clamping, as maternal glucose supply ceases, making this a critical risk factor requiring vigilant monitoring in newborns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Red meat is high in saturated fats and sodium, which can elevate blood pressure, worsening hypertension. It is not recommended for a heart-healthy diet, as it increases cardiovascular strain. The nurse should suggest leaner proteins instead, making this an incorrect dietary choice.
Choice B reason: Cheese is often high in sodium and saturated fat, contributing to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in hypertension. Low-sodium alternatives are preferred, but cheese is generally discouraged, making this an inappropriate food to recommend for this client’s diet.
Choice C reason: Canned black beans are high in sodium, which exacerbates hypertension by promoting fluid retention and vascular strain. Rinsing reduces sodium, but fresh or low-sodium options are better. This choice is less ideal than fresh produce, making it incorrect for hypertension management.
Choice D reason: Fresh spinach is rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which help lower blood pressure by counteracting sodium and relaxing blood vessels. It aligns with the DASH diet, an evidence-based approach for hypertension, making it the best food to recommend for this client’s condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Absence seizures lack an aura, unlike focal seizures. They involve brief, sudden lapses in consciousness due to generalized cortical discharges, without premonitory symptoms, making this incorrect for educating parents about the characteristics of absence seizures in children.
Choice B reason: Absence seizures last 5-20 seconds, not 30-60 seconds. These brief staring spells are caused by spike-wave discharges on EEG. Prolonged duration suggests other seizure types, making this inaccurate for teaching parents about absence seizure presentation and duration.
Choice C reason: Absence seizures are managed with anticonvulsants like ethosuximide, not surgery. Surgical intervention is for refractory focal seizures, not generalized absence seizures, which respond to medication. This is incorrect for educating parents about treatment options for absence seizures.
Choice D reason: Absence seizures cause a daydreaming appearance, with staring and brief unresponsiveness due to synchronized cortical discharges. This hallmark symptom, lasting seconds, is critical for parents to recognize, aiding identification and management of absence seizures in school settings.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
