A nurse in the newborn nursery is caring for a group of newborns. Which of the following newborns requires immediate intervention?
A newborn who is 12 hours post-delivery and has a temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F).
A newborn who is 27 hours post-delivery and has not voided.
A newborn who is 18 hours post-delivery and has not passed meconium.
A newborn who is 18 hours post-delivery and has acrocyanosis.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A newborn with a temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F) is within the normal range for newborns and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
A newborn who has not voided within 27 hours post-delivery requires immediate intervention. Newborns should void within the first 24 hours of life. Failure to void may indicate dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or renal issues.
Choice C rationale
A newborn who has not passed meconium within 18 hours post-delivery is concerning but not as urgent as not voiding. Newborns typically pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours.
Choice D rationale
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves on its own. It does not require immediate intervention.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is important for newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia. However, it does not directly prevent jaundice. Jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which are not directly related to blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Beginning phototherapy immediately is a treatment for jaundice, not a preventive measure. Phototherapy is used to reduce high bilirubin levels in newborns who already have jaundice.
Choice C rationale
Initiating early feeding is an effective way to prevent jaundice in newborns. Early feeding helps promote regular bowel movements, which aids in the excretion of bilirubin from the body, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a blood transfusion is a treatment for severe jaundice, not a preventive measure. Blood transfusions are used in cases of extreme hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate.
Choice C rationale
Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide.
Choice D rationale
While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level.