A parent asks the nurse why the newborn is getting a vitamin K injection in the birth room.
The nurse explains that the injection is necessary because:
Newborns are prone to hypoglycemia, and vitamin K helps maintain a steady blood glucose level.
Vitamin K is needed for coagulation, and the newborn does not produce enough vitamin K.
The birthing parent was febrile at the time of birth and prophylactic vitamin K is necessary.
Newborns have deficient levels of prothrombin.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Vitamin K has no role in stabilizing blood glucose levels; hypoglycemia in newborns is managed differently.
Choice B rationale
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and newborns typically have low stores at birth, necessitating supplementation to prevent bleeding disorders.
Choice C rationale
There is no established link between maternal fever and the need for vitamin K; prophylaxis is standard for all newborns regardless of maternal health.
Choice D rationale
Newborns do not have sufficient prothrombin or other clotting factors, which is why vitamin K administration is critical.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An APGAR score of 5 indicates significant distress and poor adjustment to extrauterine life, which is not consistent with the provided description of the infant's condition.
Choice B rationale
An APGAR score of 6 suggests moderate difficulty with extrauterine adaptation, which is still not entirely consistent with the overall assessment of the infant.
Choice C rationale
An APGAR score of 7 aligns with the described observations of the newborn: pink trunk and head, bluish extremities, active movement, heart rate of 130/min, and a response to
suctioning, which suggest the infant is in reasonably good condition with some minor issues that need monitoring.
Choice D rationale
An APGAR score of 8 would indicate that the newborn is in very good condition with only slight adjustments needed, which does not fully match the infant's description with the noted
issues like a weak cry and bluish extremities.