The nurse checks the blood sugar of a 2 hour old newborn, and the glucometer reading is 32 mg/dl. Which action should the nurse take next?
Transfer the newborn to the NICU
Call the lab for a STAT blood glucose level
Initiate breastfeeding
Recognize this as a normal reading and document it
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is incorrect because special lights are used to treat jaundice, not PKU. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver. Special lights help break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct because PKU is a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet. PKU is caused by a lack of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Phenylalanine can build up in the blood and cause brain damage and other health problems if not treated. A diet that is low in phenylalanine and high in a special formula can prevent these complications.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct because sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up. The PKU test is done one to three days after birth, but it may not be accurate if the baby has not had enough protein in their diet before the test. A repeat test may be needed to confirm or rule out PKU.
Choice D reason:
This statement is incorrect because the baby must take formula or breast milk after the test is done, not before. The test measures the level of phenylalanine in the blood, which will be higher if the baby has eaten protein-rich foods. The test should be done after the baby has fasted for at least two hours.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertonic is not a type of cerebral palsy, but a term that describes increased muscle tone or stiffness. Hypertonicity can be a symptom of spastic cerebral palsy, which is the most common type of the disorder.
Choice B reason:
Spastic is a type of cerebral palsy that affects about 80% of people with the disorder. People with spastic cerebral palsy have stiff and jerky movements due to increased muscle tone.
Spastic cerebral palsy can be further classified by the body parts affected, such as spastic hemiplegia, spastic diplegia or spastic quadriplegia.
Choice C reason:
Hypotonic is a type of cerebral palsy that affects muscle tone and posture. People with hypotonic cerebral palsy have low muscle tone or floppiness, which makes them appear limp and relaxed. Hypotonic cerebral palsy can affect the whole body or specific parts, such as the trunk, limbs or face.
Choice D reason:
Ataxic is a type of cerebral palsy that affects balance and coordination. People with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty with precise movements, such as writing, buttoning a shirt or reaching for a book. They may also walk in an unsteady manner or have problems with depth perception.
Choice E reason:
Mixed is a type of cerebral palsy that includes symptoms of more than one type of the disorder. For example, a person with mixed cerebral palsy may have both spastic and dyskinetic movements, or both ataxic and hypotonic features. Mixed cerebral palsy is usually caused by damage to multiple areas of the brain.
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