What is the first action a nurse should take upon receiving a neonatal blood glucose level over the phone?

Upon receiving a neonatal blood glucose level over the phone, writing down the results is the most appropriate first action. Accurate documentation is crucial in healthcare to ensure that information is not lost or miscommunicated. By noting the results immediately, the nurse creates a reliable record for future reference and for communication with the rest of the healthcare team.

The integrity and accuracy of patient care depend heavily on precise data management. Writing down the results ensures that they are preserved accurately until they can be communicated to the appropriate members of the care team or entered into the patient's medical records. This is particularly important in the case of neonatal patients, where timely and accurate management of blood glucose levels can significantly impact outcomes.

Once the results have been documented, the nurse can proceed to take additional steps, such as calling the pediatrician for further instruction or informing the family, but capturing the information accurately is the first and essential step in this process.