An 8-pound 15-ounce baby born at 35 weeks’ gestation would be described using which terminology? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their limited glycogen stores and increased metabolic needs. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly addressed. Therefore, frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to ensure early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia, thereby preventing these adverse outcomes.

Choice B reason:

Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing the hydration status and renal function of the newborn. While this is a necessary aspect of care, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA infant. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and monitoring urine output helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and preventing dehydration, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of hypoglycemia, which is more critical in the initial care of an SGA newborn.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring weight is essential for tracking the growth and development of the newborn. Regular weight checks help in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and identifying any growth delays. However, this intervention is more relevant for long-term management rather than immediate care. The priority in the immediate postnatal period is to stabilize the infant’s condition, particularly by preventing hypoglycemia.

Choice D reason:

Monitoring axillary temperature is important to prevent hypothermia, which SGA infants are also at risk for due to their low body fat and poor thermoregulation. While maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial, it is not the most immediate concern compared to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant’s

Choice A Reason:

The priority action is to assess the safety of both the client and the newborn. Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is crucial to determine if there is an immediate risk of harm. This question helps identify any potential danger and allows for immediate intervention if necessary. Ensuring the safety of the mother and baby is the top priority in managing postpartum depression.

Choice B Reason:

Anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant is important, but it is not the immediate priority. Medication can be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, but first, it is essential to assess the client’s safety and risk of harm to herself or her newborn.

Choice C Reason:

Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is beneficial for the client’s overall understanding and management of her condition. However, it does not address the immediate concern of potential harm to the newborn or the severity of the client’s depressive symptoms

Choice D Reason:

Assisting the family to identify proper use of positive coping skills is a valuable long-term strategy for managing postpartum depression. However, the immediate priority is to assess the client’s safety and ensure there is no risk of harm to herself or her newborn.