ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

An hour after delivery, a 4000 gram infant exhibits pallor, jitteriness, a blood sugar level of 40 gm/dL, irritability and periodic apnea. Which maternal condition could be the cause of the newborn's symptoms?

  • A. Drug addiction
  • B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension
  • C. TORCH infection
  • D. Gestational diabetes
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Gestational diabetes. Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia due to excessive production of insulin in response to maternal hyperglycemia. This causes the infant's blood sugar level to drop, leading to symptoms such as pallor, jitteriness, irritability, and apnea. The maternal condition directly affects the newborn's blood sugar levels, explaining the infant's symptoms.

Choice A: Drug addiction does not directly cause hypoglycemia in the newborn.
Choice B: Pregnancy-induced hypertension would not typically result in hypoglycemia in the newborn.
Choice C: TORCH infections are unlikely to cause the specific symptoms described in the newborn.
In summary, only gestational diabetes directly affects the newborn's blood sugar levels, leading to the observed symptoms.