In a newborn who experienced asphyxia at delivery, laboratory results are likely to show which of the following?

Prepare for the NCC Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed and get ready for your exam!

When a newborn experiences asphyxia at delivery, their body can undergo significant metabolic changes due to the lack of oxygen. One of the primary consequences of asphyxia is the development of acidosis, which is a condition characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This occurs because, during asphyxia, there is inadequate oxygenation, which results in anaerobic metabolism and the production of lactic acid, further contributing to acidosis.

In addition to acidosis, there is often hypobicarbonatemia present. Bicarbonate is a key buffer in the blood that helps neutralize acids. When there is a metabolic acidosis situation, such as that seen in asphyxia, bicarbonate levels can become depleted as the body attempts to buffer the excess acid.

Hypoglycemia is also a potential finding in a newborn who has experienced asphyxia. The stress of asphyxia can impair the infant's ability to maintain normal glucose levels, and they may not have adequate glycogen stores or may have an increased energy demand due to the stress response, leading to lower blood sugar levels.

Thus, the combination of acidosis, hypobicarbonatemia, and hypoglycemia provides a

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