NCLEX: A 38-week newborn on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for newborn adaptation after birth. Assessment data…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 38-week newborn on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for newborn adaptation after birth. Assessment data include blood glucose 35 mg/dL with jitteriness. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Question

A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Newborn transition