Which laboratory finding for a newborn who is 24 hours old should be reported to the provider?

In evaluating the laboratory findings of a newborn who is 24 hours old, it is important to understand the normal ranges and potential concerns associated with each finding.

A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL in a newborn is considered low. Typically, the expected range for a newborn is approximately 14-24 g/dL, and levels can drop after birth. At 24 hours old, a significant drop in hemoglobin may indicate conditions such as anemia or blood loss, which can require further investigation and management. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and intervention.

The other values provided typically fall within normal ranges. A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is usually acceptable in a newborn, as newborns can have variable blood sugar levels that stabilize over the first few days. A bilirubin level of 4 mg/dL is considered safely manageable at 24 hours, as bilirubin levels can be expected to rise in the first few days of life without necessitating immediate intervention unless levels reach higher thresholds. Lastly, a platelet count of 200,000/mm also falls within the normal limit for a newborn, indicating no immediate concern.

Overall, the hemoglobin result stands out as an indicator that requires