A full-term LGA infant is 3 hours of age and has a blood glucose level of 35 g/dL. The neonate appears to be trembling. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform at this time?
Tightly swaddle the baby.
Feed the baby formula or breast milk, and recheck the glucose 30 minutes after feeding.
Monitor the baby’s urinary output.
Transfer the infant to the NICU immediately.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Tight swaddling does not address hypoglycemia but may increase the infant’s stress. Hypoglycemia requires immediate correction through feeding or IV glucose, as low glucose levels can impair neonatal neurologic function.
Choice B rationale
Feeding provides immediate glucose replenishment, correcting hypoglycemia, which manifests as trembling. Rechecking glucose ensures effective correction. Normal neonatal glucose levels are 45–65 g/dL, with intervention needed below 40 g/dL.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring urinary output is insufficient for managing neonatal hypoglycemia. Trembling indicates an acute need for glucose, requiring prompt feeding or IV glucose rather than passive observation of output.
Choice D rationale
Immediate NICU transfer is unnecessary unless hypoglycemia remains uncorrected or other complications arise. Prompt feeding and glucose recheck are adequate to stabilize the neonate in most cases.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Infection of the uterus typically presents with fever, foul-smelling lochia, and uterine tenderness, not bright red vaginal bleeding with a firm fundus. Firm fundus decreases the likelihood of retained products causing infection.
Choice B rationale
Uterine atony causes excessive vaginal bleeding due to the uterus's inability to contract effectively, but it doesn't apply here since the fundus is firm, indicating adequate uterine tone.
Choice C rationale
Perineal hematoma results from blood vessel damage during delivery. It causes a tense, painful mass and vaginal or perineal swelling, not steady, bright red bleeding with a firm fundus.
Choice D rationale
Lacerations of the genital tract result in bright red bleeding despite a firm fundus, as the bleeding originates from tears in the vaginal or perineal tissues rather than uterine atony.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Manually removing the placenta can introduce infection and cause uterine injury, which are not preventive measures for postpartum hemorrhage but treatments for retained placenta requiring sterile conditions and medical indication.
Choice B rationale
Administering antibiotics does not directly prevent postpartum hemorrhage, as it focuses on managing infections like endometritis. Hemorrhage prevention is better addressed by uterine tone management and avoiding excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Applying pressure to the umbilical cord can lead to uterine inversion, worsening hemorrhage. Controlled cord traction during active management of the third stage is safer and reduces hemorrhage risk effectively.
Choice D rationale
Frequent urination prevents bladder distension, which enhances uterine contraction. A contracted uterus reduces hemorrhage risk by compressing blood vessels. Distended bladder inhibits proper uterine contraction, increasing hemorrhage likelihood.
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