Question

Four newborns are in the neonatal nursery. Which of the babies should the nurse report to the neonatalogist?

1. 16-hour-old baby who has yet to pass meconium.
2. 16-hour-old baby whose blood glucose is 50 mg/dL.
3. 2-day-old baby who is breathing irregularly at 70 breaths per minute.
4. 2-day-old baby who is excreting a milky discharge from both nipples.

Answer 1

The nurse should report the 16-hour-old baby who has yet to pass meconium, the 16-hour-old baby whose blood glucose is 50 mg/dL, and the 2-day-old baby who is excreting a milky discharge from both nipples to the neonatologist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the following babies to the neonatologist:

1. 16-hour-old baby who has yet to pass meconium: This baby should be reported because the failure to pass meconium can indicate an obstruction in the intestines, which requires medical intervention.
2. 16-hour-old baby whose blood glucose is 50 mg/dL: This baby should be reported because a blood glucose level below 60 mg/dL in a newborn may indicate hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications.
3. 2-day-old baby who is excreting a milky discharge from both nipples: This baby should also be reported as it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance, such as high levels of prolactin, which requires evaluation and management.