Nursing Care of the Newborn Related

Review Nursing Care of the Newborn related questions and content

The nurse is receiving shift report on her mother-baby couplet assignment. Which infant should the nurse evaluate first?

  • A. 38-weeks' gestation female newborn with a blood sugar level of 60 mg/dL
  • B. Term male newborn with a noted axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
  • C. 40-weeks' gestation female newborn with reported poor feed at last attempt
  • D. 39-weeks' gestation male newborn who has been crying prior to initial bath
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, to evaluate the 40-weeks' gestation female newborn with reported poor feed at the last attempt first. This choice should be prioritized as poor feeding in a newborn can be a sign of potential serious issues such as inadequate nutrition, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. Addressing this concern promptly is crucial for the infant's well-being.

Option A can be considered as the blood sugar level of 60 mg/dL in the 38-weeks' gestation female newborn is slightly low, but it is not an immediate priority compared to poor feeding. Option B's axillary temperature of 37.2°C is within the normal range for a newborn, so it can be assessed after addressing the concern of poor feeding. Option D, a 39-weeks' gestation male newborn crying prior to the initial bath, can also be evaluated after addressing the more urgent issue of poor feed.