A charge nurse in a newborn nursery is providing information to a group of nurses about risk factors for hypoglycemia. Which of the following risk factors should the charge nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale: A. Anemia: While anemia affects oxygen delivery and overall health, it is not a direct risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Anemia does not significantly impact the infant’s glucose regulation immediately after birth. B. Prematurity: Premature infants have limited glycogen stores, immature liver function, and underdeveloped metabolic pathways, making them more prone to hypoglycemia. Their ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels is compromised, increasing the risk of low glucose after birth. C. Maternal diabetes: Infants born to mothers with diabetes are exposed to high glucose levels in utero, which stimulates fetal insulin production. After birth, this hyperinsulinemia can lead to rapid drops in blood glucose, placing the newborn at high risk for hypoglycemia. D. Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count affects coagulation but does not directly influence glucose metabolism or the risk of hypoglycemia in newborns. While it is a clinical concern, it is unrelated to neonatal glucose regulation. E. Hypothermia: Cold stress increases metabolic demands and glucose utilization in newborns. Hypothermia can accelerate depletion of glycogen stores and impair gluconeogenesis, making it a significant risk factor for hypoglycemia in the neonatal period.