A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. The infant's total serum bilirubin is 13 mg/dL and jaundice is visible on the face and chest. The nurse knows this level is most likely

dropdown

hyperbilirubinemia and prepares the infant for

dropdown

while assessing for underlying causes such as hemolysis. infection, or metabolic disorders.

A. Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding is incorrect because placenta previa is typically painless. Painful bleeding is more characteristic of placental abruption, not placenta previa.

B. Increasing abdominal pain with a rigid abdomen is incorrect because this description aligns with placental abruption, where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, causing pain, uterine rigidity, and bleeding.

C. Painless red vaginal bleeding is correct because placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical os, leading to bright red, painless vaginal bleeding, especially in the third trimester. The uterus is usually soft and non-tender. This classic presentation is a key diagnostic clue.

D. Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is incorrect because this pattern is more consistent with bloody show before labor rather than placenta previa. Placenta previa bleeding is usually bright red and spontaneous, not related to cervical dilation in labor.

A. Smaller airway diameter and immature respiratory muscles is correct because infants and young children have narrower airways, making them more prone to obstruction from edema, mucus, or inflammation. Additionally, their respiratory muscles, including the intercostals, are underdeveloped, so they rely heavily on diaphragmatic breathing. These factors increase the risk of respiratory distress during illness or airway compromise.

B. More developed diaphragm and increased lung compliance is incorrect because infants have a less developed diaphragm and less compliant chest wall, not more. This makes breathing less efficient and increases susceptibility to fatigue and distress.

C. Larger airway diameter and more developed lung volume is incorrect because infants have smaller airway diameter and smaller lung volumes compared to adults, which contributes to rapid desaturation during respiratory compromise.

D. Larger alveolar surface area and stronger respiratory muscles is incorrect because infants have fewer alveoli and weaker respiratory muscles, which limits gas exchange and makes them more vulnerable to hypoxia.