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 B
Explanation
Loose, peeling skin without lanugo or vernix is a symptom of post-term infants who have intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Post-term infants are born after 42 weeks of gestation and may have reduced placental function, resulting in less nutrition and oxygen for the fetus.This can cause them to have low birth weight, decreased subcutaneous fat and muscle mass, and dry skin.
Choice A is wrong because a large head in proportion to body size is not a sign of IUGR.It may indicate a congenital anomaly or a chromosomal disorder.
Choice C is wrong because increased subcutaneous fat and muscle mass are not signs of IUGR.They are signs of normal fetal growth and development.
Choice D is wrong because hypertonia and hyperreflexia are not signs of IUGR.They may indicate a neurological problem or a perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen during birth).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Encouraging frequent breastfeeding.
This is because breastfeeding provides glucose to the newborn baby, which can help prevent or treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.
Choice A is wrong because administering IV insulin would lower the blood sugar level even more, which could be dangerous for the baby.
Choice C is wrong because monitoring blood pressure is not directly related to hypoglycemia.
Blood pressure may be affected by other factors such as stress, infection, or dehydration.
Choice D is wrong because administering a hypertonic saline solution would increase the sodium level in the blood, which could cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
A hypertonic saline solution is not a source of glucose for the baby.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns are between 47 to 85 mg/dL.Hypoglycemia is defined as blood glucose below 47 mg/dL.
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