A nurse is updating the plan of care for a newborn who is undergoing phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A reason:

Transferring the newborn to the NICU is not the best action to take next, because it does not address the immediate problem of low blood sugar. The newborn may need to be transferred to the NICU later, depending on the cause and severity of the hypoglycemia, but the first priority is to raise the blood glucose level.

Choice B reason:

Calling the lab for a STAT blood glucose level is not the best action to take next, because it will delay the treatment of hypoglycemia. The glucometer reading is a reliable indicator of low blood sugar, and waiting for a lab confirmation will waste valuable time. The nurse should act on the glucometer reading and initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Choice C reason:

Initiating breastfeeding is the best action to take next, because it will provide the newborn with a source of glucose that can raise the blood sugar level quickly. Breastfeeding also has other benefits for the newborn, such as promoting bonding, providing antibodies, and reducing the risk of infection. Breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of life for all newborns, unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason:

Recognizing this as a normal reading and documenting it is not the best action to take next, because it is not a normal reading for a 2 hour old newborn. The normal range of blood glucose for a newborn is 40 to 150 mg/dL. A reading of 32 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which can have serious consequences for the newborn's brain development and function. Hypoglycemia should be treated promptly and documented accordingly.

Choice A reason:

Eating leafy green vegetables is a good way to increase iron intake, as they are rich in iron and other nutrients. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron to make hemoglobin, resulting in low red blood cell count and low oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collard greens are among the best sources of iron from plants.

Choice B reason:

Taking calcium supplements is not helpful for iron deficiency anemia, as calcium can interfere with iron absorption. Calcium binds to iron in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Calcium is important for bone health, but it does not affect hemoglobin production or red blood cell count.

Choice C reason:

Consuming two glasses of prune juice daily is not advisable for iron deficiency anemia, as prune juice has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and loss of nutrients, including iron. Prune juice also contains oxalates, which are compounds that can reduce iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes with iron in the intestine. Prune juice does contain some iron, but not enough to compensate for its negative effects on iron status.

Choice D reason:

Consuming raw sushi is not recommended for iron deficiency anemia, as raw fish can contain parasites or bacteria that can cause infections. Infections can increase inflammation and blood loss, which can worsen iron deficiency anemia. Raw fish also contains phytates, which are substances that can inhibit iron absorption by binding to iron in the intestine. Raw fish does provide some iron, but it is not a reliable or safe source of iron for people with iron deficiency anemia. : Iron deficiency anemia - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic. : Iron- Deficiency Anemia - Hematology.org.