A nurse is caring for a newborn who was born to a mother with gestational diabetes. The newborn is large for gestational age.
The nurse should recognize which of the following newborn complications as the priority focus of care?
Monitoring for hypoglycemia.
Monitoring for physiological jaundice.
Monitoring for hyperthermia.
Monitoring for development of rash.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Monitoring for hypoglycemia is critical in newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes, as they can experience significant drops in blood sugar levels post-birth due to the
sudden discontinuation of the high glucose supply from the mother.
Choice B rationale
Physiological jaundice is common in many newborns but does not represent the most immediate threat. It typically resolves within a few days with appropriate monitoring and care.
Choice C rationale
Hyperthermia can be a concern for newborns, but it is not the primary immediate complication in newborns born to gestational diabetic mothers. Hypoglycemia poses a greater
immediate risk.
Choice D rationale
Development of rash is generally a less critical concern and does not represent an immediate threat to the newborn’s well-being in comparison to hypoglycemia.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a baby’s crib next to a heater can pose a risk of overheating or burns. Newborns should be kept at a safe distance from heaters to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale
Removing extra blankets from the crib is recommended to reduce the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This choice reflects an understanding of crib safety.
Choice C rationale
Padding the mattress can pose suffocation risks and is not recommended. A firm mattress without any padding is the safest option for newborns.
Choice D rationale
Placing a baby on their stomach to sleep increases the risk of SIDS. The recommended sleeping position for newborns is on their back, as this significantly reduces the risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering vitamin K is important but not the immediate priority right after birth.
Choice B rationale
Administering eye prophylaxis is also necessary but comes after ensuring the newborn is dry to prevent heat loss.
Choice C rationale
Placing an identification bracelet is crucial but not as immediate as drying the skin to regulate the baby's temperature.
Choice D rationale
Drying the skin is the priority to prevent hypothermia by reducing evaporative heat loss right after birth