Nursing Across The Lifespan Exam 2 Practice

Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for which immediate postpartum complication?

Neonatal jaundice Neonatal hypoglycemia Hypocalcemia Respiratory distress

Correct Answer:

Neonatal hypoglycemia

Explanation:

Maternal diabetes leads to fetal hyperglycemia, which stimulates the fetus to produce extra insulin. After birth, the baby loses the maternal glucose supply but still has high insulin levels, causing blood glucose to fall—neonatal hypoglycemia. This is an immediate postpartum risk because it can appear within hours after birth. Clinically, monitor glucose soon after delivery and during the first day; if screening shows low glucose, treat with early feeds and, if needed, IV dextrose to prevent potential neurologic injury. Other issues like respiratory distress or jaundice can occur with infants of diabetic mothers, but the scenario most closely tied to the birth transition and insulin excess is neonatal hypoglycemia.

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