A nurse is caring for several newborn clients. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the charge nurse?
A blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old.
A hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old.
Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old.
Acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old.
The Correct Answer is C
A. A blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old: A blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL is borderline low but expected in the immediate postnatal period, especially if the infant is asymptomatic. Feeding the infant is the first step to address this, and monitoring is usually sufficient unless symptoms of hypoglycemia develop.
B. A hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old: This value is at the upper end of normal for a newborn and may suggest mild polycythemia. However, it does not require urgent notification unless accompanied by symptoms such as respiratory distress or poor perfusion
C. Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old: Early-onset jaundice (within the first 24 hours) is not normal and suggests a potentially dangerous underlying condition, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn or infection. Immediate reporting and further evaluation, including bilirubin levels and possible treatment with phototherapy, are essential.
D. Acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old: Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a common and benign finding in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth due to immature circulation. It does not require notification or intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Incorrect) The newborn with significant bruising from a face presentation is at an increased risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. Bruising can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells, increasing bilirubin production.
Choice B rationale:
(Incorrect) The premature newborn is at a higher risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. Premature infants often have an underdeveloped liver, which can lead to reduced bilirubin processing and clearance.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct) The baby born at 41 weeks' gestation is at the lowest risk for elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. By this stage, the baby's liver is more mature, allowing for efficient processing and clearance of bilirubin.
Choice D rationale:
(Incorrect) The newborn with O+ blood type, born to a mother with O- blood type, is at an increased risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels if the baby's blood type is Rh-positive and the mother's is Rh-negative. This situation can lead to Rh incompatibility and hemolytic disease of the newborn, causing higher bilirubin levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Back to sleep: While placing babies on their backs to sleep is essential for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it does not prevent flat spots. Instead, tummy time while the baby is awake helps balance the time spent on their back.
B. Take the baby for walks: Taking a baby for walks is beneficial for overall development and stimulation but does not directly prevent flat spots on the head.
C. Keep them awake most of the day: This is not a safe or recommended practice. Babies need sufficient sleep for proper growth and development.
D. Tummy time helps prevent flat spots by reducing the amount of time the baby spends lying on their back. It also strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, encouraging the baby to move their head more freely and develop motor skills.
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