A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 35 weeks of gestation and has physiologic jaundice.
Which of the following factors increases the risk of hyperbilirubinemia in this newborn?
Prematurity
Breastfeeding
Asian ethnicity
All of the above.
The Correct Answer is D
All of the above factors increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia in this newborn. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition of high levels of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice and brain damage.
Choice A is wrong because prematurity is a risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia, especially in babies born before 38 weeks of gestation. Premature babies have immature livers that are less able to process bilirubin and eliminate it from the body.
Choice B is wrong because breastfeeding is a risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in some breast-fed babies who do not get enough milk or calories. Breastfeeding can also cause increased enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which means that bilirubin is reabsorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream instead of being excreted in the stool.
Choice C is wrong because Asian ethnicity is a risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia, as some Asian populations have higher rates of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to break down more easily and release more bilirubin. Asian infants may also have lower levels of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase, an enzyme that helps convert bilirubin into a form that can be excreted by the liver.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels vary depending on the age, weight, and health status of the newborn. Generally, bilirubin levels peak between the third and seventh day after birth and then decline gradually. The AAP recommends using a nomogram based on the infant’s age in hours and serum bilirubin level to determine the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia and the need for treatment. Treatment options include phototherapy and exchange transfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because postmature babies lose the protective vernix that covers their skin in utero, and their skin becomes dry and cracked.Postmature babies also have less subcutaneous fat, which makes them look thin and wrinkled.
Choice A is wrong because postmature babies have less body fat than term babies, not more.They use up their fat stores to survive in the womb beyond 42 weeks of gestation.
Choice B is wrong because postmature babies have well-developed breast buds and areola, not flat ones.Breast development is a sign of fetal maturity that occurs around 36 weeks of gestation.
Choice C is wrong because postmature babies have less flexibility in their joints and muscles, not more.They have less amniotic fluid to cushion their movements, and their bones become more ossified as they grow older.
Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.Babies born before 37 weeks are considered preterm, and babies born after 42 weeks are considered postmature.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Jitteriness and poor feeding are common signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body.In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension and bradycardia are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may indicate other conditions such as heart problems or infection.
Choice B is wrong because diarrhea and vomiting are not specific symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may be caused by many other factors such as infection, food intolerance, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Choice D is wrong because hyperactivity and irritability are not usual symptoms of hypoglycemia in a newborn.
They may be signs of other conditions such as pain, hunger, or overstimulation.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns vary depending on the age, gestational age, and feeding status of the baby.Most doctors consider blood glucose that is below 47 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) to be the definition of hypoglycemia in newborns.
However, some babies may need higher levels to prevent brain injury.
A doctor will monitor the blood glucose levels of a newborn at risk for hypoglycemia and treat accordingly.
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