A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn who is 24 hr old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. The newborn's neck is short and surrounded by skin folds: A short neck with skin folds can be a normal variant in some newborns, especially those with subcutaneous fat. While it may warrant observation for potential anomalies, it is not an immediate concern at 24 hours of age. B. The newborn's glucose level is 50 mg/dL: A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is within the normal range for a full-term newborn. Routine monitoring is sufficient, and this finding does not require urgent reporting. C. The newborn's sclerae have a yellowish tint: Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life can indicate pathological jaundice, which may result from hemolysis, infection, or metabolic disorders. Early-onset jaundice requires prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent complications such as kernicterus. D. The newborn has experienced a weight loss of 3% since birth: A weight loss of up to 5–7% in the first few days after birth is considered normal due to fluid shifts. A 3% loss is expected and does not necessitate immediate reporting.