Based on an infant's low heel stick glucose level after delivery, what should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?

Initiating frequent feedings of breast milk or formula is a critical first step when addressing an infant's low blood glucose level after delivery. This action is grounded in the understanding that breastfeeding or formula feeding can provide the necessary carbohydrates to help elevate blood glucose levels effectively and quickly.

In newborns, maintaining adequate blood glucose levels is vital because hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including neurological damage. Early and frequent feeding not only assists in correcting the hypoglycemia but also supports overall metabolic stability.

Furthermore, immediately starting intravenous glucose might be considered a more advanced intervention that could be necessary if feeding does not adequately resolve the low glucose levels after monitoring. While monitoring vital signs is important for assessing the infant's overall health, it does not directly address the immediate need to correct the hypoglycemia. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential for ongoing management and support, but the priority would typically be to start a more proactive approach in treating the low glucose level first. Therefore, implementing frequent feedings is the appropriate first intervention in such a scenario.