On her second postpartum day, the mother of a newborn says, “The doctor says the baby has physiologic jaundice.
Even though it is supposed to be normal, I don’t understand why it occurs.” Which fact regarding physiologic jaundice should form the basis of the nurse’s response?
It is caused by an increase in neonatal metabolism.
It is related to the destruction of fetal red blood cells.
It is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction.
It is related to the immaturity of the reticuloendothelial system.
The Correct Answer is B
Physiologic jaundice is a common condition in newborns that occurs when the baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.In the womb, the mother’s liver removes bilirubin for the baby, but after birth the baby’s own liver must take over this function.Because the baby has more red blood cells than an adult and their liver is still immature, they may not be able to process all the bilirubin and it may build up in their skin and eyes, causing a yellowish appearance.
Choice A is wrong because it is not an increase in neonatal metabolism that causes physiologic jaundice, but rather a decrease in hepatic metabolism of bilirubin.
Choice C is wrong because it describes a different type of jaundice called hemolytic jaundice, which occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby, leading to an immune reaction that destroys the baby’s red blood cells faster than they can be replaced.
Choice D is wrong because it confuses the reticuloendothelial system with the hepatic system.
The reticuloendothelial system is a network of cells and tissues that are involved in immune responses and phagocytosis (the ingestion of foreign particles or cells).
The hepatic system is the system of organs and structures that are involved in liver functions, such as bile production and detoxification.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels in newborns are 1 to 12 mg/dL (17 to 205 micromol/L) for total bilirubin and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/dL (3 to 24 micromol/L) for direct bilirubin.
Physiologic jaundice usually peaks at 3 to 5 days after birth and resolves by 2 weeks of age.
It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin levels are very high or rising rapidly, which may indicate a more serious condition or a risk of brain damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.Choice C is wrong because having more than three full-term pregnancies does not affect the suitability of using a copper IUD as a birth control method.Copper IUDs are long-term, reversible contraceptives that can be used by premenopausal women of all ages, including those who have never been pregnant or who have had multiple pregnancies.
Choice A is correct because a copper IUD can be inserted anytime during a normal menstrual cycle, or up to eight weeks after childbirth.
Choice B is correct because a copper IUD may cause heavier and longer periods, as well as more cramping.
Choice D is correct because a copper IUD works by creating an inflammatory response in the uterus that prevents sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it, and also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
he correct answer is choice A. “Instead of having eggs, I am eating yogurt for breakfast.” This statement shows a need for further instruction because eggs are a good source of protein and yogurt is not.
Yogurt is a dairy product that contains mostly carbohydrates and some fat.
Eggs are an animal product that contains mostly protein and some fat.
Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Choice B is correct because adding powdered milk to skim milk increases the protein content of the drink.
Powdered milk is a dairy product that contains protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Skim milk is a dairy product that contains protein and carbohydrates but no fat.
Choice C is correct because peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
Peanut butter is a plant product that contains protein, fat and some carbohydrates.
Crackers are a grain product that contains mostly carbohydrates and some protein.
Choice D is correct because cream of tomato soup is a good source of protein and calories.
Cream of tomato soup is a processed food that contains tomatoes, cream, flour and seasonings.
Tomatoes are a vegetable that contains mostly water and some carbohydrates.
Cream is a dairy product that contains mostly fat and some protein.
Flour is a grain product that contains mostly carbohydrates and some protein.
Seasonings are herbs and spices that contain mostly flavor and some nutrients.
The normal range of protein intake for adults is 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day.
This means that an adult who weighs 70 kilograms should consume about 56 to 70 grams of protein per day.
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