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 care on the postpartum unit. 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. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
D. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. 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: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Newborn safety