The birth weight of an infant delivered by a woman with gestational diabetes is 10.1 pounds (4,581 grams). The infant is jitery and has a heel stick glucose level of 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) 30 minutes after birth. Based on this information, which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?
Reference range:
Blood glucose neonate: [30 to 60 mg/dL or 1.7 to 3.3 mmol/L]
Offer nipple feedings of 10% dextrose.
Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula
Repeat the heel stick for glucose in one hour
Assess for signs of hypocalcemia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Offering 10% dextrose via nipple feeding is used for infants who are unable to feed orally or with severe hypoglycemia. This neonate is still within range hence dextrose is not incicated at this point.
B. The infant is jittery with a glucose of 40 mg/dL, which indicates mild symptomatic hypoglycemia. Initiating frequent feedings of breast milk or formula is the first action to stabilize glucose while supporting oral intake.
C. Repeating the heel stick is important for monitoring, but it does not treat the low glucose and is not the first action.
D. Assessing for hypocalcemia may be indicated later, but the priority is addressing hypoglycemia through feeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Requesting the client to lie still may be relevant for certain assessments, but it is not specific to the situation described in the question.
B) Incorrect - Inquiring about episodes of sundowning is more relevant for clients with cognitive impairment and is not directly related to the client's weight loss and decreased energy and appetite.
C) Correct - Questioning the client about the frequency of falls is important, as falls can contribute to weight loss, decreased energy, and appetite changes in older adults.
D) Incorrect - Assisting the client with clarifying values about end-of-life care is a valuable nursing intervention but is not the priority in this assessment scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best site for the PN to observe because it allows for the detection of changes in color, such as pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice, that may not be visible on the skin surface. The sclera and mucous membranes are less pigmented than the skin and reflect the underlying blood flow and oxygenation.

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