For a 9-lb 10-oz infant born to a mother with type 1 diabetes, which condition should the nurse monitor for?

Monitoring for respiratory distress syndrome is essential in this scenario due to the relationship between maternal diabetes and fetal lung development. Infants born to mothers with uncontrolled diabetes may experience delayed lung maturation, which can increase the risk of developing respiratory complications after birth.

This is particularly relevant considering the infant's size. Larger infants, like the one described, can also face additional challenges during delivery, which might contribute to respiratory issues. While other conditions listed may hold significance for newborns, the direct link between maternal type 1 diabetes and the potential for respiratory distress makes it crucial to vigilantly observe for this particular condition.

Hypoglycemia, congenital heart defects, and hyperbilirubinemia, while relevant in the context of maternal diabetes, are secondary considerations in this specific scenario compared to the more immediate concerns related to respiratory status.