Which laboratory value is important to check on a newborn with excessive bruising following delivery?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bilirubin. Excessive bruising in a newborn can indicate hemolysis, leading to elevated bilirubin levels and potential jaundice. Checking bilirubin levels is crucial to monitor for hyperbilirubinemia, which can lead to complications like kernicterus. White blood cells (A) are not typically associated with bruising. Glucose (B) levels are important in monitoring for hypoglycemia, not bruising. Potassium (D) levels are not directly related to bruising in a newborn.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased respiratory rate. When a newborn experiences respiratory obstruction, they will initially exhibit an increased respiratory rate as their body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This is a natural response to try to increase oxygen intake. Gagging (choice A) and vomiting (choice B) may occur as secondary symptoms if the obstruction persists. Decreased heart rate (choice C) is unlikely to be the first sign, as the body typically prioritizes ensuring oxygen supply to vital organs such as the brain. Therefore, the increased respiratory rate is the most immediate and crucial sign to indicate respiratory obstruction in a newborn.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An infant with a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL and a maternal history of gestational diabetes should be assessed first to rule out hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening in newborns. Hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, brain damage, or even death if not promptly treated. Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their own insulin production in response to high maternal glucose levels. Therefore, immediate assessment and intervention are crucial. Choice B is incorrect because growth parameters within normal ranges do not indicate an immediate need for assessment. Choice C is also incorrect as the mother's age and gestational age do not necessarily indicate an urgent need for assessment. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of a green stain and bruising may indicate meconium aspiration syndrome, but hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant's health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because being in the 90th percentile for weight as an infant does not necessarily mean the weight is appropriate or average (choice A) or that the infant is LGA (choice B). Choice D is incorrect because being in the 90th percentile means the infant's weight is greater than 90% of other infants, not less. Choice C is correct because research shows that infants in the 90th percentile for weight are more likely to be overweight as adults due to potential genetic factors and lifestyle habits developed early in life.