The nurse notes that a 36-hour-old newborn's serum bilirubin level has increased from 14 mg/dL to 16.6 mg/dL in an 8-hour period.What nursing intervention would be included in the plan of care for this newborn?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increasing serum bilirubin level indicates the development of jaundice, and the newborn may benefit from phototherapy to reduce the bilirubin level. Continuing to observe may lead to further complications, and halting breastfeeding is not necessary unless there are other indications of a problem with breastfeeding. Blood exchange transfusion is a more invasive intervention that may be necessary for severe hyperbilirubinemia, but it is not indicated at this time.

The Nurse Notes That a 36-Hour-Old Newborn's Serum Bilirubin Level