What is the appropriate glucose concentration to administer to a neonate with hypoglycemia?

The appropriate glucose concentration to administer to a neonate with hypoglycemia is Dextrose 10%. This concentration is commonly used in neonatal care as it provides an effective balance between raising blood glucose levels without causing potential complications associated with higher concentrations.

In neonates, hypoglycemia can occur for a variety of reasons, including maternal diabetes, insulin use, or insufficient feeding. Dextrose 10% is safe to use in this population because it can increase blood glucose levels quickly while being less hypertonic compared to more concentrated solutions.

Higher concentrations like Dextrose 25% and Dextrose 50% can pose a risk for complications such as irritation or damage to the veins if the infusion is not done carefully. Moreover, these higher concentrations could lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose, which is less desirable in a vulnerable population like neonates.

Using Dextrose 5% would be insufficient for treating hypoglycemia, as the concentration may not provide enough of a glucose boost to rapidly resolve the low blood sugar levels effectively. Therefore, Dextrose 10% is the optimal choice for the immediate management of hypoglycemia in neonates, ensuring their safety and rapid recovery.