The respiratory therapist is attending a term labor of a woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The baby is very large for gestational age. What metabolic disturbances should be considered?
I. Hyperglycemia
II. Hypocalcemia
III. Hyperkalemia
IV. Hypoglycemia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Poor blood sugar control in these women is associated with an increased risk of macrosomia (birth weight greater than 4000 g), traumatic vaginal delivery, preterm delivery, and a small risk of fetal death in some women. After delivery, the infants are at increased risk for metabolic disturbances in the neonatal period; these include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome.

The Respiratory Therapist Is Attending a Term Labor of a Woman