A nurse is teaching about car seat safety to the parents of a newborn who was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements by a parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

WBC count 11,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3) is incorrect. A slightly elevated white blood cell (WBC) count within the range of 11,000/mm3 may be indicative of a mild infection or inflammation, which is common during pregnancy due to physiological changes in the immune system. However, this finding alone is not significantly abnormal and may not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by clinical signs or symptoms of infection.

Choice B Reason:

Fasting blood glucose 180 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL) is correct. During pregnancy, it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can develop, leading to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. A fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range during pregnancy (74 to 106 mg/dL) and is indicative of hyperglycemia.

Choice C Reason:

Hematocrit 37% (37% to 47%) is incorrect. A hematocrit level of 37% falls within the normal range for pregnancy (37% to 47%) and is not significantly abnormal. This finding indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is typically lower during pregnancy due to hemodilution, which is a normal physiological adaptation to pregnancy.

Choice D Reason:

Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5 to 1 mg/dL) is incorrect. A serum creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL falls within the normal range for pregnancy (0.5 to 1 mg/dL). Creatinine levels reflect kidney function, and this result suggests that the client's renal function is within normal limits. Therefore, it does not require immediate reporting unless there are other concerning clinical signs or symptoms.

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Abdominal distention is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia in newborns. It may indicate other issues such as gastrointestinal discomfort, intestinal obstruction, or excessive gas accumulation.

Choice B Reason:

Jitteriness is correct. Hypoglycemia in newborns can occur, particularly if the mother had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Jitteriness is one of the common manifestations of hypoglycemia in newborns. Other signs may include poor feeding, lethargy, sweating, cyanosis, respiratory distress, and seizures.

Choice C Reason:

Petechiae are small, pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. While petechiae can occur due to various reasons, including neonatal sepsis or birth trauma, they are not typically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice D Reason:

Increased muscle tone is incorrect. Hypoglycemia in newborns usually presents with decreased muscle tone rather than increased muscle tone. Increased muscle tone is more commonly associated with conditions such as hypocalcemia or central nervous system disorders.