A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother has diabetes mellitus.
The nurse should recognize which of the following potential newborn complications as the priority focus of care?
Hyperbilirubinemia.
Hypomagnesemia.
Hypocalcemia.
Hypoglycemia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia, or high levels of bilirubin in the blood, can occur in newborns of diabetic mothers due to increased red blood cell breakdown. However, it is not the primary concern immediately after birth. The priority is to address conditions that can cause immediate harm, such as hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, can occur in newborns of diabetic mothers, but it is not the most critical issue. Magnesium levels can be monitored and corrected if necessary, but hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the newborn’s health.
Choice C rationale
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can also occur in newborns of diabetic mothers. While it is important to monitor and manage calcium levels, hypoglycemia is a more urgent concern because it can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice D rationale
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, is the most critical concern for newborns of diabetic mothers. These newborns are at high risk for hypoglycemia due to the high levels of insulin they produce in response to their mother’s elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Hypoglycemia can cause serious complications, including seizures and brain damage, if not treated immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Hyperbilirubinemia
- Symptoms: The neonate does show signs of jaundice (yellowish skin), which is a symptom of hyperbilirubinemia. However, the primary concern here is thelow blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), which is more immediately life-threatening and needs urgent attention.
- Diagnostic Results: The total serum bilirubin level is 5 mg/dL, which is elevated but not critically high. Hyperbilirubinemia might be a secondary concern, but the immediate symptoms and diagnostic results point more towards hypoglycemia.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Symptoms: NAS typically occurs in newborns exposed to addictive substances in utero, leading to withdrawal symptoms after birth. Common symptoms include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, and feeding difficulties.
- History: There is no mention of maternal substance use or withdrawal symptoms like frequent yawning or irritability. The jitteriness and poor feeding could overlap with NAS, but the history of gestational diabetes and the low blood glucose level make hypoglycemia a more likely diagnosis.
Summary
- Hypoglycemia: The neonate’s symptoms (jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding) and the critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL) strongly indicate hypoglycemia. This condition is common in infants of diabetic mothers and large-for-gestational-age infants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
Choice B rationale
Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is between the 10th and 90th percentiles for their gestational age. A newborn weighing 3350 g at 39 weeks gestation falls within this range.
Choice C rationale
Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 g, which does not apply to this newborn.
Choice D rationale
Large for gestational age (LGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age.
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