Author Question: An infant at 36 weeks' gestation was just delivered; included in the protocol for a preterm infant ... (Read 58 times)

RYAN BANYAN · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

An infant at 36 weeks' gestation was just delivered; included in the protocol for a preterm infant is an initial blood glucose assessment. The nurse obtains the blood and the reading is 58 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action based on this reading?

a. Document the finding in the newborn's chart.
b. Double-wrap the newborn under a warming unit.
c. Feed the newborn a 10 dextrose solution.
d. Notify the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the pending admission.

Question 2

During the first few minutes after birth, which physiologic change occurs in the newborn as a response to vascular pressure changes in increased oxygen levels?

a. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
b. Decreased systemic resistance
c. Decreased pressure in the left heart
d. Dilation of pulmonary vessels

234sdffa · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
In the term infant, glucose levels should be 40 to 60 mg/dL on the first day and 50 to 90 mg/dL thereafter. There is no general consensus about the level of blood glucose that defines hypoglycemia, but a level below 40 to 45 mg/dL in the term infant is often used. If an infant is placed in a warming unit, the skin needs to be exposed. Because the glucose level is normal, no supplemental feeding is necessary. Dextrose solution is only administered when the glucose levels are very low. There is no information in the stem indicating the need for admission to the NICU.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Dilation of pulmonary vessels occurs in response to increased oxygen levels. Decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance occurs. Increase in systemic vascular resistance occurs. Increased pressure in the left heart occurs.