Following an amniocentesis, a client verbalizes several concerns. Which reported finding indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication from the amniocentesis?

Rationale for correct condition: Hypoglycemia in neonates can present with jitteriness, low body temperature, and poor feeding. Normal blood glucose levels for neonates range from 40-60 mg/dL. The Ballard maturity rating of 37 weeks indicates that the neonate may have an immature glucose metabolism. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Rationale for correct actions:

• Giving dextrose solution orally quickly increases blood glucose levels. This provides an immediate source of glucose to the neonate.
• Performing a heel stick for blood glucose testing allows for accurate monitoring of glucose levels. Continuous assessment ensures timely intervention.

Rationale for correct parameters:

• Blood glucose levels: Monitoring ensures that the neonate maintains normal glucose levels (40-60 mg/dL). This helps prevent hypoglycemia-related complications.
• Temperature: Neonates with hypoglycemia often have low body temperature. Monitoring temperature aids in detecting and addressing hypothermia.

Rationale for incorrect conditions:

• Altered respiratory function: The neonate has normal respiratory rate and heart rate.
• Thermoregulation: Although temperature is low, the jitteriness is more indicative of hypoglycemia.
• Sepsis: No signs of infection such as fever or elevated white blood cell count are present.

Rationale for incorrect actions:

• Provide manual breaths with a bag-valve mask: Not necessary as the neonate's respiratory rate is normal.
• Administer intravenous antibiotics: No signs of infection or sepsis.
• Place the neonate under a radiant warmer: This addresses temperature but not blood glucose levels.

Rationale for incorrect parameters:

• Respiratory rate: Normal, does not indicate hypoglycemia.
• Oxygen saturation: No signs of respiratory distress.
• Bilirubin levels: Not relevant to the current symptoms.

Choice A rationale

Erythromycin ointment is administered to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Newborns are at risk for eye infections, which can lead to blindness if untreated. Erythromycin ointment provides effective prophylaxis.

Choice B rationale

Neomycin ointment is not indicated for prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is primarily used for treating minor skin infections and not effective against eye infections in newborns.

Choice C rationale

Tetracaine eye drops are used as a local anesthetic for pain relief during minor eye procedures. They do not provide prophylaxis against ophthalmia neonatorum and are not effective in preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae eye infections.

Choice D rationale

Latanoprost eye drops are used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. They do not provide prophylaxis against ophthalmia neonatorum and are not effective in preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae eye infections.