Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia ( 13 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a newborn who was born to a mother with diabetes mellitus.
The nurse should monitor the newborn for which of the following signs of hypoglycemia?
Jitteriness or tremors are the most common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby. Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons, such as poor nutrition for the mother during pregnancy, making too much insulin because the mother has diabetes, or not enough oxygen at birth.
Tachycardia is wrong because it is not a typical sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hyperthermia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby. Hyperthermia is a high body temperature that can be caused by overheating, infection, or inflammation. Hypoglycemia can cause low body temperature (hypothermia), not high body temperature.
Hypertonia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby. Hypertonia is increased muscle tone or stiffness that can be caused by brain damage, nerve damage, or genetic disorders. Hypoglycemia can cause weak or floppy muscles (poor muscle tone), not increased muscle tone.
The correct answer is choice A. Jitteriness. Jitteriness or tremors are the most common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons, such as poor nutrition for the mother during pregnancy, making too much insulin because the mother has diabetes, or not enough oxygen at birth.
Choice B. Tachycardia is wrong because it is not a typical sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Tachycardia is a fast heart rate that can be caused by other conditions, such as fever, infection, or dehydration.
Choice C. Hyperthermia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hyperthermia is a high body temperature that can be caused by overheating, infection, or inflammation. Hypoglycemia can cause low body temperature (hypothermia), not high body temperature.
Choice D. Hypertonia is wrong because it is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby.
Hypertonia is increased muscle tone or stiffness that can be caused by brain damage, nerve damage, or genetic disorders. Hypoglycemia can cause weak or floppy muscles (poor muscle tone), not increased muscle tone.