A nurse is performing a heel stick blood glucose test on a newborn who is preterm.

The nurse should apply a heel warmer to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample for which of the following reasons?

To prevent infection

To increase blood flow

To reduce pain

To prevent bruising

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B. To increase blood flow. A heel warmer is applied to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample to increase the blood flow to the area and make it easier to collect the sample. A heel warmer can also reduce pain and bruising by dilating the blood vessels and reducing the need for multiple punctures.

Choice A is wrong because a heel warmer does not prevent infection. Infection prevention requires proper cleaning of the puncture site and disposal of the lancet.

Choice C is wrong because a heel warmer does not reduce pain by itself. Pain reduction requires other measures such as cuddling, feeding, and distraction.

Choice D is wrong because a heel warmer does not prevent bruising. Bruising prevention requires applying pressure to the puncture site after collecting the sample.

Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the method of measurement, but generally they are between 2.6 and 6.0 mmol/L.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Hypoglycemia.

The newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia because of the maternal diabetes and the prematurity.Maternal diabetes causes fetal hyperinsulinism, which persists after birth and lowers the blood glucose level of the newborn.Prematurity causes inadequate glycogen stores and immature enzyme function, which also contribute to hypoglycemia.Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, cyanosis, seizures, and apnea.

Choice A is wrong because hyperglycemia is unlikely in a newborn with hyperinsulinism and deficient glycogen stores.

Choice C is wrong because hypertension is not a common complication of maternal diabetes or prematurity in newborns.

Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism is not related to maternal diabetes or prematurity.Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as lethargy, poor feeding, jaundice, and hypotonia.

Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the age, weight, and feeding status of the baby.

Generally, a level below 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) in symptomatic term newborns, below 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) in asymptomatic term newborns between 24 hours and 48 hours of life, or below 30 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) in preterm newborns in the first 48 hours is considered hypoglyc

A. Increased glycogen stores B. Decreased gluconeogenesis C. Increased insulin production D. Decreased glucose consumption

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Increased insulin production.Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at risk for hypoglycemia due to poor nutrient reserves and hyperinsulinism.

Hyperinsulinism is a condition where the pancreas produces too much insulin, which lowers the blood glucose level.Infants with IUGR may have hyperinsulinism because of placental insufficiency, maternal diabetes, or fetal stress.

Choice A is wrong because increased glycogen stores would protect against hypoglycemia, not cause it.

Glycogen is a form of stored glucose that can be broken down when blood glucose level is low.

Choice B is wrong because decreased gluconeogenesis would also protect against hypoglycemia, not cause it.

Gluconeogenesis is a process where the liver makes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids or lactate.

Choice D is wrong because decreased glucose consumption would also protect against hypoglycemia, not cause it.

Glucose consumption is the rate at which cells use glucose for energy production.

If glucose consumption is low, blood glucose level would be high.

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A nurse is performing a heel stick blood glucose test on a newborn who is preterm. The nurse should apply a heel warmer to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample for which of the following reasons?

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A nurse is performing a heel stick blood glucose test on a newborn who is preterm.

The nurse should apply a heel warmer to the newborn’s foot before obtaining the blood sample for which of the following reasons?