A nurse is teaching the parents of a newborn how to care for their child's uncircumcised penis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is: A. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL.

Choice A reason:

Hemoglobin levels in newborns are expected to be significantly higher than in adults due to the physiological adaptation to life outside the womb. The normal range for a newborn’s hemoglobin is approximately 14 to 24 g/dL1234. A level of 12 g/dL is below the expected range and could indicate anemia or other underlying conditions that may require further investigation and intervention by the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason:

The glucose level in a newborn can vary, especially within the first few hours after birth. Normal blood glucose levels for a newborn 1 to 2 hours old can be as low as 25 mg/dL and can rise to adult levels (60-100 mg/dL) within the first few days5. A glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a 24-hour-old newborn falls within the acceptable range and would not typically require reporting to the provider unless accompanied by symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason:

Bilirubin levels in newborns can be elevated due to the normal breakdown of fetal hemoglobin as the baby’s liver matures. Normal bilirubin levels for a newborn can range from 1.0 to 12.0 mg/dL6. A bilirubin level of 4 mg/dL is within the normal range for a 24-hour-old newborn and is not typically a cause for concern unless there are signs of jaundice or other symptoms.

Choice D reason:

The normal platelet count for a newborn ranges from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³7. A platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is well within the normal range for a newborn and would not need to be reported to the healthcare provider.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should plan to administer Ampicillin to the client with a group B streptococcus (GBS) B-hemolytic infection. Ampicillin is the first-line antibiotic treatment for intrapartum prophylaxis in GBS-positive pregnant women. It helps prevent the transmission of the bacteria from the mother to the newborn, reducing the risk of early-onset GBS infection in the infant.

Choice B rationale:

Azithromycin is not the appropriate choice for treating GBS B-hemolytic infection during labor. While Azithromycin is effective against certain bacteria, it is not the recommended antibiotic for GBS prophylaxis in labor. Ampicillin or Penicillin is the preferred medication in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Ceftriaxone is not the appropriate medication for treating GBS B-hemolytic infection during labor. Ceftriaxone belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is not the first-line treatment for GBS prophylaxis. Ampicillin or Penicillin is the preferred choice.

Choice D rationale:

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication and is not indicated for the treatment of GBS B-hemolytic infection. GBS is a bacterial infection, and antiviral medications like Acyclovir do not have an effect on bacteria.