What should the nurse say to explain monitoring an infant for hypoglycemia after the mother had well-controlled type 1 diabetes during pregnancy?

The correct response emphasizes the relationship between maternal diabetes and the infant's insulin levels. During pregnancy, particularly in cases of well-controlled type 1 diabetes, the fetus can experience higher exposure to glucose due to maternal hyperglycemia. The fetus, in response, produces more insulin to manage the elevated glucose levels. Consequently, after birth, especially if the baby is no longer receiving maternal glucose, the surge in insulin can lead to low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for monitoring the newborn closely after delivery. Infants of mothers with diabetes, specifically type 1, need careful observation for signs of hypoglycemia because their bodies can have higher-than-normal insulin levels at birth due to maternal influence. Therefore, explaining to families that their baby may have elevated insulin levels helps clarify why monitoring for hypoglycemia is necessary.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the situation. Implying that diabetic mothers produce less healthy infants does not provide context about metabolic regulation. Stating that the infant is at risk due to genetic factors overlooks the direct impact of maternal glucose on insulin production. Additionally, suggesting that a baby's glucose levels are always stable is misleading, as they can fluctuate significantly, particularly under the influence of maternal diabetes