What should a nurse monitor for in a newborn of a diabetic mother?

Monitoring for jitteriness in a newborn of a diabetic mother is critical because it can be a sign of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. Infants born to mothers with diabetes are at risk for several complications, one of which is altered glucose metabolism. If the mother had poor glycemic control during her pregnancy, the infant may experience fluctuations in blood sugar after birth.

Jitteriness or tremors can indicate that the baby’s blood glucose levels are not stable, possibly falling below the normal range. This condition requires prompt medical evaluation and intervention to prevent potential long-term neurological damage. Therefore, while other factors related to growth or feeding patterns are also important in a newborn's overall health assessment, monitoring for jitteriness specifically emphasizes the immediate need to assess and maintain proper glucose levels in at-risk infants.