A nurse is assessing a newborn for signs of jaundice.

Which of the following methods should the nurse use to detect jaundice in the newborn?

This is because phototherapy exposes the newborn to a special blue-to-green light that lowers the serum bilirubin level by transforming it into water-soluble isomers that can be eliminated without liver conjugation.However, this light can also damage the newborn’s eyes and cause retinal injury or blindness, so it is important to protect them with a mask.

Choice A is wrong because applying lotion to the newborn’s skin before phototherapy can interfere with the light penetration and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

It can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Choice B is wrong because removing the newborn from phototherapy every 4 hours can interrupt the continuous exposure to the light and delay the reduction of bilirubin levels.

The newborn should only be removed from phototherapy for feeding, diaper changes, and physical examination.

Choice D is wrong because placing the newborn on a radiant warmer during phototherapy can increase the risk of dehydration, hyperthermia, and skin burns.

The newborn should be monitored for temperature and fluid balance during phototherapy and kept in a crib or bassinet with a blanket.

This method allows the nurse to detect jaundice by observing the color of the skin after applying and releasing pressure.

This is a simple and noninvasive way to check for jaundice in a newborn.

Choice A is wrong because palpating the newborn’s abdomen for hepatomegaly is not a reliable way to detect jaundice.Hepatomegaly is an enlargement of the liver that may indicate liver disease, but it is not specific to jaundice.

Choice B is wrong because measuring the newborn’s serum bilirubin level is not a method to detect jaundice, but rather to confirm and quantify it.

Serum bilirubin level is the amount of bilirubin in the blood, which is responsible for the yellow color of jaundice.A blood test is required to measure this level.

Choice D is wrong because observing the newborn’s urine and stool color is not a reliable way to detect jaundice.

The color of urine and stool may vary depending on the hydration status, feeding type and other factors of the newborn.Moreover, urine and stool color may not change until the bilirubin level is very high.