Note: This guideline is currently under review. Show
Aim Definition of Terms Assessment Nursing Management Education Needs Companion documents Evidence Table References IntroductionDuring intrauterine life, the neonate receives a continuous supply of glucose from maternal sources. When this supply abruptly stops at birth, the neonate must adapt and stimulate its own glucose supply with the assistance of
enteral feeds. AimThis guideline will provide information about the clinical signs,
investigations, assessment and management strategies of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Definition of terms
AssessmentMost neonates with hypoglycaemia are initially asymptomatic, and detection of hypoglycaemia is based on surveillance of at-risk infants. Neonates with identified risk factors must have a BGL on admission. BGL’s should then be monitored in consultation with medical teams, and as clinically indicated. Risk factors include, but are not limited to:
Other possible causes of hypoglycaemia include, but are not limited to:
Physical assessmentA comprehensive nursing assessment must be conducted when hypoglycaemia is suspected and/or identified. Patients who are symptomatic may present with these clinical manifestations:
InvestigationsNurse-initiated investigations may include:
Hypoglycaemic screen of neonates
Nursing managementBasic nursing management of the neonate can influence a neonate’s blood glucose level
During the management phase of neonatal hypoglycaemia, careful consideration and action must be given to the cause of the hypoglycaemia
Flowchart: Nursing and medical management of neonatal hypoglycaemia
Education needsEducation for family members regarding hypoglycaemia is an important aspect of the neonate’s holistic care. Education may include:
Family-centered care must always be upheld during clinical concerns of the neonate. Communication of a hypoglycaemic event, investigations taken and subsequent results should be discussed with the family when appropriate. Communication with the family can be documented within EMR progress notes. Companion documents
Evidence tableClick here to view the evidence table. References
Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Shanai Cramer, Butterfly Ward, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated June 2019. For which signs of hypoglycemia would the nurse assess the newborn?Symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia include [2][11]:. Sweating.. Feeding difficulties, poor suck.. Weak or high-pitched cry.. Tremors.. Hypothermia.. Irritability.. Lethargy/stupor.. Hypotonia.. Which signs can be observed in infants with hypoglycemia select all that apply?What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn baby?. Shakiness.. Blue tint to skin and lips (cyanosis). Stopping breathing (apnea). Low body temperature (hypothermia). Floppy muscles (poor muscle tone). Not interested in feeding.. Lack of movement and energy (lethargy). Seizures.. What is the first action taken by a nurse caring for a newborn with suspected hypoglycemia?There is both observational evidence and clinical consensus that unwell hypoglycemic infants, particularly those with neurological signs, should be treated immediately with an IV infusion of glucose. Response to IV glucose should be rechecked after 30 minutes.
Which finding is indicative of hypothermia in a newborn?Neonates demonstrate clinical findings that alert the practitioner toward hypothermia including: palpable cold temperature, acrocyanosis, irritability, hypotonia, decreased feeding, and hypoglycemia as the cold stress heightens1, 8.
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