Question

A nurse in the newborn nursery is receiving a report on four newborns. Which of the following newborns should the nurse see first?

a) Newborn with jaundice
b) Newborn with mild respiratory distress
c) Newborn with a heart murmur
d) Newborn with low blood glucose levels

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize the newborn with low blood glucose levels for immediate treatment, as it poses the most immediate risk to the newborn's health.

Step-by-step explanation:

In prioritizing care for newborns, a nurse must assess which conditions pose the most immediate risk to an infant's health. Among the four newborns described:

• Newborn with jaundice — while this condition can indicate liver issues or blood type incompatibility, it does not usually require immediate attention unless severe.
• Newborn with mild respiratory distress — respiratory concerns can require prompt assessment and intervention to ensure the infant is getting enough oxygen.
• Newborn with a heart murmur — many murmurs in newborns are benign and resolve on their own, but this still warrants monitoring and potential follow-up with a pediatric cardiologist.
• Newborn with low blood glucose levels — hypoglycemia in newborns needs immediate assessment and correction as it can lead to serious neurological complications.

Therefore, the nurse should see the newborn with low blood glucose levels first, as hypoglycemia poses the most immediate threat and requires urgent treatment to prevent potential harm.