A perinatal nurse suspects that a newborn may be experiencing polycythemia.What further assessments should be made to confirm this condition? (Select all that apply.)

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Polycythemia,which is an abnormally high erythrocyte count,can place the infant at high risk for jaundice and organ damage due to increased viscosity of the blood cells.A peripherally drawn hematocrit for a normal infant ranges from 48 to 64%.If the hematocrit drawn from a central site is greater than 65%,the infant is considered to be polycythemic.Polycythemic infants are also at an increased risk for hypoglycemia and respiratory distress;therefore,hemoglobin levels and the respiratory rate should be assessed.

A Perinatal Nurse Suspects That a Newborn May Be Experiencing