A nurse is caring for a newborn delivered by vaginal birth after 3 hours of pushing.
The newborn’s mother asks about the swollen area on her son’s head.
After palpation and identification that the swelling does cross the suture line, which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Flexion of arms is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice B rationale

Caput succedaneum is a common condition where the scalp swells due to pressure during delivery. It does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale

A heart rate of 158 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice D rationale

A respiratory rate of 66/min is above the normal range (30-60 breaths per minute) and indicates respiratory distress.

Choice E rationale

Acrocyanosis is common in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice F rationale

Subcostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and are a sign of respiratory distress.

Choice G rationale

Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates increased effort to breathe.

Choice H rationale

Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates difficulty in maintaining lung expansion.

Choice A rationale

Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale

While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate..

Choice C rationale

Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide..

Choice D rationale

While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level..