How should a nurse respond if a newborn shows signs of hypotonia?

When a newborn exhibits signs of hypotonia, which refers to decreased muscle tone, assessing blood glucose levels is a critical response. Hypotonia in neonates can be a sign of various underlying issues, one of which may include hypoglycemia. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, and low blood sugar can manifest as decreased muscle tone along with other symptoms. Therefore, checking blood glucose is important to rule out this condition and address it promptly if it is present.

In the context of the other options, while monitoring the respiratory rate is relevant in assessing overall well-being, it does not directly address the potential causes of hypotonia. Initiating feeding immediately could be considered, but without confirming blood glucose levels, it may not be prudent if the infant is hypoglycemic. Providing radiant warmer therapy is more applicable in cases of hypothermia or when there are concerns regarding the newborn's temperature stability, rather than directly addressing hypotonia. Thus, measuring blood glucose serves as a crucial step in evaluating and managing the newborn's condition effectively.