A nurse is assessing a newborn who is jittery, diaphoretic, and ...

[Mimi]

A nurse is assessing a newborn who is jittery, diaphoretic, and hypothermic, and has poor feeding. What laboratory value would the nurse correlate with this condition?
 
  A.
  Bilirubin: 5 mg/dL
  B.
  Blood glucose: 32 mg/dL
  C.
  Hematocrit: 50
  D.
  White blood cell count: 25,000/mm3

Question 2

What action by the nurse is most important to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?
 
  A.
  Administer vitamin K1 phytonadione (AquaMEPHYTON).
  B.
  Assess daily hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
  C.
  Coordinate laboratory sticks to minimize blood loss.
  D.
  Handle the infant gently to prevent injury.

[hanadaa]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
This infant has signs of hypoglycemia, confirmed with a blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL (normal is 40-60 mg/dl). The other laboratory values are normal for a neonate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Infants are given one dose of vitamin K during initial care and assessment to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Assessing laboratory values does not prevent a condition from occurring, but it might alert health-care providers to changes in status. Minimizing blood loss and gentle handling do not prevent hemorrhagic disease, although both are good ideas for other reasons.

[Mimi]

Thank you

[hanadaa]

No problemo