Question

A nurse who is monitoring the blood glucose levels of an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) identifies a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL. What should the nurse do?

A. Check the cord serum glucose level
B. Initiate oral feedings of 10% dextrose in water
C. Secure an order for an IV infusion of 50% dextrose
D. Continue to monitor the blood glucose for another day

Answer 1

For an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) with a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL, the nurse should immediately initiate oral feedings of 10% dextrose in water to correct hypoglycemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the management of an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) with a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL. According to the standard guidelines of neonatal care, a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemic and requires intervention. Since the infant's blood glucose level is at 48 mg/dL, the nurse should act promptly to restore it within the normal range to prevent potential complications. The correct action would be to initiate oral feedings of 10% dextrose in water (option B). Checking the cord serum glucose level or securing an order for an IV infusion are not the immediate steps in response to the measured blood glucose level. Continuous monitoring without intervention is not advisable given the current hypoglycemic state of the infant.