Nokea
A nurse is caring for a 2-day-old newborn who was born at 35 weeks of gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse the nurse takes? (Click on the "Exhibit" Button for additional information about the newborn. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of date.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Since the newborn was born at 35 weeks of gestation, with a birth weight of 2.3 kg and exhibiting clinical signs of hypoglycemia, one of the key priorities in caring for this newborn is monitoring for complications related to prematurity. Measuring the abdominal circumference at the level of the newborn's umbilicus every 2 hours is important in assessing for signs of abdominal distention, which could indicate necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition commonly seen in premature infants. Early detection through frequent abdominal circumference measurements can aid in timely intervention and management to prevent significant complications. Administering nitric oxide inhalation therapy, inserting an orogastric decompression tube with low wall suction, and providing iron-rich formula containing vitamin B12 every 2 hours are not indicated based on the information provided in the exhibit.