Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet Related

Review Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet related questions and content

Which data should alert the nurse caring for an SGA infant that additional calories may be needed?

  • A. The latest hematocrit was 53%.
  • B. The infant's weight gain is 40 g/day.
  • C. The infant is taking 120 mL/kg every 24 hours.
  • D. Three successive temperature measurements were 36.1ï‚°C, 35.5ï‚°C, and 36.1ï‚°C (97, 96, and 97ï‚°F).
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because weight gain is a direct indicator of nutritional status. A weight gain of 40 g/day may indicate inadequate caloric intake for an SGA (small for gestational age) infant, necessitating additional calories.

A: Hematocrit level might indicate dehydration or polycythemia, not necessarily inadequate caloric intake.
C: The volume of intake alone does not indicate the adequacy of caloric intake; concentration and composition of the feed are also essential.
D: Temperature measurements are not directly related to the need for additional calories in an SGA infant.