Question

A neonate weighs 7 lb, 3 oz at birth. When assessing the neonate 1 day later, the nurse obtains a weight of 7 lb and an axillary temperature of 98° F (36.7° C) and observes the sclerae are slightly yellow. The neonate has been breast-feeding once every 2 to 3 hours. Based on these findings, What suggestions should the nurse provide to the mother? Select all that apply.

1) Encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours
2) Suggest the mother to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation
3) Educate the mother about the possibility of jaundice in newborns
4) Advise the mother to monitor the neonate's temperature regularly
5) Recommend the mother to increase the frequency of breastfeeding

Answer 1

The nurse should encourage continued breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours, suggest consulting a pediatrician for the yellowing of the sclerae which could indicate jaundice, and educate the mother about jaundice in newborns.

Step-by-step explanation:

A neonate weighing 7 lb, 3 oz at birth and showing a decrease to 7 lb a day later is within the expected range of initial weight loss post-birth. The neonate's axillary temperature of 98° F (36.7° C) is normal, but the presence of slightly yellow sclerae could be indicative of jaundice. Given these observations, and considering the neonate's current breastfeeding schedule, the nurse should:

• Encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours.
• Consult a pediatrician for further evaluation due to the slight yellowing of the sclerae, which warrants investigation into neonatal jaundice.
• Educate the mother about the possibility of jaundice in newborns, a common and typically treatable condition in neonates.

Monitoring the neonate's temperature is less pressing if it remains within the normal range, and increasing the frequency of breastfeeding should only be considered if advised by a healthcare provider following the assessment of the neonate's weight change and potential jaundice.