Best NCLEX RN Question Bank Practice Question
The nurse developing a plan of care for a postterm small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborn should identify which assessment as the priority to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most common metabolic complication in the SGA newborn is hypoglycemia, which can produce central nervous system abnormalities and mental retardation if not corrected immediately. Urinary output, although important, is not the highest priority action; however, the postterm SGA newborn is typically dehydrated from placental dysfunction. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are monitored because the postterm SGA newborn exhibits polycythemia, although this also does not require immediate attention. The polycythemia contributes to increased bilirubin levels, usually beginning on the second day after delivery.
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