Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia ( 13 Questions)

A client with diabetes gives birth to a premature newborn.

The nurse should anticipate that the newborn is at risk for:.



Correct Answer: B

The correct answer is choice B. Hypoglycemia.

The newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia because of the maternal diabetes and the prematurity. Maternal diabetes causes fetal hyperinsulinism, which persists after birth and lowers the blood glucose level of the newborn. Prematurity causes inadequate glycogen stores and immature enzyme function, which also contribute to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, cyanosis, seizures, and apnea.

Choice A is wrong because hyperglycemia is unlikely in a newborn with hyperinsulinism and deficient glycogen stores.

Choice C is wrong because hypertension is not a common complication of maternal diabetes or prematurity in newborns.

Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism is not related to maternal diabetes or prematurity. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as lethargy, poor feeding, jaundice, and hypotonia.

Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the age, weight, and feeding status of the baby.

Generally, a level below 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) in symptomatic term newborns, below 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) in asymptomatic term newborns between 24 hours and 48 hours of life, or below 30 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) in preterm newborns in the first 48 hours is considered hypoglyc




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