What should be done if the bedside glucose remains low after treatment in newborns?

When a newborn’s bedside glucose remains low after treatment, repeating the bolus and increasing the infusion rate is a crucial step to ensure that the infant receives adequate glucose levels. This approach directly addresses the issue of hypoglycemia by providing additional glucose to raise blood sugar levels quickly and effectively.

In newborns, effective management of hypoglycemia is vital, as continued low glucose levels can lead to significant neurological damage and other health complications. Therefore, a repeat bolus allows for the immediate supplementation of glucose, while an increased infusion rate helps to maintain a stable blood sugar level over time.

Switching to oral feedings might not be appropriate immediately after glucose levels are assessed as low, especially if the newborn is unstable or unable to feed safely due to low glucose levels. Similarly, delaying further treatment is risky since it could result in worsened hypoglycemia. Consulting a specialist might be necessary later on, but the immediate response should focus on stabilizing the glucose levels through the appropriate intervention, which in this case means repeating the bolus and increasing the rate of infusion.