A newborn male weighs 10 lb 2 oz, which is significantly more than his siblings. What should the nurse do regarding the baby's weight?

In the context of managing a newborn's weight, particularly one that is significantly larger than previous siblings, monitoring for potential complications related to elevated weight is crucial. Performing serial glucose readings is particularly important because an increased birth weight—especially one that exceeds the average range—can be associated with conditions such as neonatal hypoglycemia. Larger infants, especially infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, may have issues with glucose regulation after birth. By conducting serial glucose readings, the healthcare provider can ensure that the newborn is maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels, thus preventing complications and facilitating timely interventions if hypoglycemia is detected.

Monitoring for jaundice, assessing for developmental delays, or consulting with a pediatric nutritionist, while important in their own rights, do not directly address the immediate concerns associated with the newborn's significant weight at birth and the potential metabolic issues that can arise. Therefore, focusing on glucose readings directly aligns with the need to manage and monitor the baby's health effectively right after birth.