A nurse is educating the parents of a newborn who has hypoglycemia about how to feed their baby.
The nurse should instruct the parents to do which of the following actions?
Feed the baby as soon as possible after birth
Feed the baby only when he cries
Feed the baby every 6 hours
Feed the baby with glucose water.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because newborns with hypoglycemia need to receive adequate nutrition to raise their blood glucose levels and prevent neurologic damage. Early feeding also helps establish breast milk supply for nursing mothers.
Choice B is wrong because feeding the baby only when he cries may delay the intake of glucose and worsen the hypoglycemia. Newborns with hypoglycemia should be fed on demand or at least every 2 to 3 hours.
Choice C is wrong because feeding the baby every 6 hours is too infrequent and may cause prolonged hypoglycemia. Newborns with hypoglycemia should be fed on demand or at least every 2 to 3 hours.
Choice D is wrong because feeding the baby with glucose water may not provide enough calories and nutrients for growth and development. Newborns with hypoglycemia should be fed with breast milk or formula. Glucose water may be used as a temporary measure until breast milk or formula is available.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Exchange transfusion (ET) is a procedure that involves removing the infant’s blood and replacing it with compatible donor blood to reduce the level of bilirubin and/or antibody-coated red blood cells.It is a high-risk intervention that can cause serious complications such as vascular accidents, cardiovascular compromise, and electrolyte and hematologic derangement.
Therefore, it is essential to obtain informed consent from the parent before performing ET.
Choice B is wrong because checking the newborn’s blood type and crossmatch is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is important to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient blood, it is not as urgent as obtaining informed consent.
Choice C is wrong because inserting two umbilical catheters for blood withdrawal and infusion is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is necessary to establish vascular access for ET, it is not as crucial as obtaining informed consent.
Choice D is wrong because monitoring the newborn’s vital signs and oxygen saturation is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is vital to assess the newborn’s condition before, during, and after ET, it is not as imperative as obtaining informed consent.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels vary depending on the gestational age and postnatal age of the newborn.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published nomograms for initiating phototherapy and ET based on these factors.According to the AAP, ET should be considered when the bilirubin level exceeds 25 mg/dL (428 μmol/L) in term infants or 20 mg/dL (342 μmol/L) in preterm infants with risk factors for neurotoxicity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Jitteriness and poor feeding are common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body.In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension and bradycardia are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may indicate other conditions such as heart problems or infection.
Choice B is wrong because diarrhea and vomiting are not specific symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may be caused by many other factors such as infection, food intolerance, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Choice D is wrong because hyperactivity and irritability are not usual symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may be signs of other conditions such as pain, hunger, or overstimulation.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the age, gestational age, and feeding status of the baby.Most doctors consider blood glucose that is below 47 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) to be the definition of hypoglycemia in newborns.
However, some babies may need higher levels to prevent brain injury.
A doctor will monitor the blood glucose levels of a newborn at risk for hypoglycemia and treat accordingly.
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