Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Poor feeding and lethargy in a neonate can be early signs of several conditions, but evaluating for hypoglycemia is particularly crucial. Neonates are vulnerable to low blood sugar levels, which can occur due to various factors such as inadequate feeding, maternal diabetes, or stress from birth. Hypoglycemia can present with symptoms like poor feeding, irritability, and lethargy, making it essential to assess blood glucose levels in such cases to prevent potentially severe neurological consequences.

While the other conditions could lead to similar symptoms, they may present with additional signs or require different clinical evaluations. For instance, infections often involve fever or other clinical signs of systemic illness, jaundice would typically also manifest as yellowing of the skin and eyes, and allergic reactions might present with rashes or respiratory symptoms. Therefore, assessing for hypoglycemia is a primary concern for any neonate exhibiting poor feeding and lethargy, ensuring timely intervention and management.