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.)
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Hypothermia: Hypothermia increases metabolic demand and glucose utilization in newborns, making them more susceptible to hypoglycemia. Maintaining normal body temperature is crucial for preventing low blood glucose levels. B. Maternal diabetes: Infants born to mothers with diabetes are at higher risk for hypoglycemia due to fetal hyperinsulinemia. After birth, the excess insulin can cause rapid drops in blood glucose. C. Anemia: While anemia affects oxygen-carrying capacity, it is not a direct risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Blood glucose regulation is not primarily impacted by red blood cell count. D. Prematurity: Premature infants have limited glycogen stores and immature glucose regulation, increasing the risk for hypoglycemia. They may require closer glucose monitoring and early feeding interventions. E. Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count does not affect glucose metabolism and is not a recognized risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia.