Which hormone can be administered to treat complications associated with newborn hypoglycemia?

Prepare for the Newborn Life Support Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Ensure you're ready for your certification success!

The administration of glucose or dextrose is a common treatment for complications associated with newborn hypoglycemia. Newborns are particularly susceptible to low blood sugar levels due to their small glycogen stores and high metabolic rate. When hypoglycemia occurs, rapid elevation of blood glucose levels is critical to prevent potential neurological damage and other serious complications.

Glucose or dextrose, when administered, quickly raises blood sugar levels, providing the necessary energy for the newborn's brain and other organs. This intervention can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the hypoglycemia and the infant's condition. The prompt correction of hypoglycemia with glucose or dextrose is essential for restoring normal metabolic function.

Understanding this mechanism highlights the importance of glucose as a primary treatment, as other potential treatments may not directly address the underlying issue of low blood sugar in a newborn. For instance, insulin is contraindicated in hypoglycemia because it lowers blood glucose levels, and adrenal hormones like cortisol may be involved in metabolic regulation but are not typically used for immediate management of hypoglycemia. Adrenaline, while it can raise blood glucose levels through glycogenolysis, is not the first-line choice for treating hypoglycemia in newborns. Therefore

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy