What is a sign that a newborn may be at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome?

Choice A reason:

All milk- and lactose-containing formulas, including breast milk, must be stopped during infancy. Soy protein is the formula of choice for newborns and infants with galactosemia. Breast milk should not be used in newborns and infants with galactosemia because it contains galactose, which they cannot metabolize properly.

Choice B reason:

Adding amino acids to the breast milk will not help the newborn with galactosemia, because the problem is not a lack of amino acids, but a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down galactose. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not sugars.

Choice C reason:

Substituting a lactose-containing formula for breast milk will worsen the condition of the newborn with galactosemia because lactose is composed of glucose and galactose. The newborns will still be exposed to galactose, which will accumulate in the blood and tissues and cause damage.

Choice D reason:

Giving the appropriate enzyme along with breast milk is not a feasible option for the newborn with galactosemia, because there is no oral enzyme replacement therapy available for this condition. The only treatment is dietary restriction of galactose.

Choice A reason:

This statement is incorrect because special lights are used to treat jaundice, not PKU. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver. Special lights help break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct because PKU is a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet. PKU is caused by a lack of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Phenylalanine can build up in the blood and cause brain damage and other health problems if not treated. A diet that is low in phenylalanine and high in a special formula can prevent these complications.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct because sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up. The PKU test is done one to three days after birth, but it may not be accurate if the baby has not had enough protein in their diet before the test. A repeat test may be needed to confirm or rule out PKU.

Choice D reason:

This statement is incorrect because the baby must take formula or breast milk after the test is done, not before. The test measures the level of phenylalanine in the blood, which will be higher if the baby has eaten protein-rich foods. The test should be done after the baby has fasted for at least two hours.