What should the nurse know about variations in infants' blood count to explain to new parents?
A) A somewhat lower than expected red blood cell (RBC)count could be the result of delay in clamping the umbilical cord.
B) The early high white blood cell (WBC)count is normal at birth and should decrease rapidly.
C) Platelet counts are higher than in adults for a few months.
D) Even a modest vitamin K deficiency means a problem with the ability of the blood to clot properly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The WBC count is high the first day of birth and then declines rapidly.Delayed clamping of the cord results in an increase in hemoglobin and the RBC count.The platelet count essentially is the same for newborns and adults.Clotting is sufficient to prevent hemorrhage unless the vitamin K deficiency is significant.

What Should the Nurse Know About Variations in Infants' Blood