When a client reports using cocaine during her current pregnancy, which laboratory study should a nurse anticipate?

Answer and explanation..

The correct answer is choice C. Jitteriness.Jitteriness is a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which is common in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) because they have high levels of insulin in their blood that lower their glucose levels after birth.Hypoglycemia can also cause other symptoms such as seizures, lethargy, poor feeding, sweating, trembling, and pale complexion.

Choice A is wrong because abdominal distention is not a typical symptom of IDM.

It can be caused by other conditions such as intestinal obstruction or infection.

Choice B is wrong because high-pitched cry is not a specific symptom of IDM.

It can be caused by many factors such as pain, hunger, or neurological problems.

Choice D is wrong because excessive drooling is not a common symptom of IDM.

It can be a sign of oral problems such as teething or infection.

Normal ranges for blood glucose in newborns are 40 to 150 mg/dL (2.2 to 8.3 mmol/L).

IDM should be monitored closely for hypoglycemia and treated promptly with glucose if needed.

The correct answer is choice B. Position the patient in a left lateral position.This is because late fetal decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen to the fetus.By positioning the patient on her left side, the blood flow to the placenta and the fetus is improved.

Choice A is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action that the nurse should take.The nurse should first intervene to correct the cause of fetal distress and then inform the provider.

Choice C is wrong because increasing the patient’s intravenous rate may not help with uteroplacental insufficiency.It may also cause fluid overload or pulmonary edema in the patient.

Choice D is wrong because providing the patient with oxygen via a face mask is not the most effective way to increase fetal oxygenation.Oxygen therapy may be used as an adjunct to other interventions, but it is not sufficient by itself.