The birth weight of an infant delivered by a woman with gestational diabetes is 10.1 pounds (4,581 grams). The Infant is jittery and has a heel stick glucose level of 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L or SI units) 30 minutes after birth. Based on this information, which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?

A. Repeat the heel stick for glucose in one hour: Delaying intervention to recheck glucose places the infant at risk for worsening hypoglycemia, which can lead to seizures or brain injury. Immediate corrective action is required to stabilize glucose levels. B. Offer nipple feedings of 10% dextrose: Dextrose feedings are typically reserved for infants who cannot tolerate oral feeds or whose glucose does not improve with routine feeding. Initial management of mild neonatal hypoglycemia focuses on early and frequent feeding with breast milk or formula. C. Begin frequent feedings of breast milk or formula: Early, frequent feeding is the first-line intervention for mild hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers. It helps stabilize blood glucose by providing a steady carbohydrate source and prevents further decline without requiring IV therapy unless feeding is ineffective. D. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia can occur in infants of diabetic mothers but usually develops later, not within the first 30 minutes after birth. The current glucose level of 40 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia.