A telephone triage nurse gets a call from a postpartum client who is concerned about jaundice in a 37-hour-old newborn. What information should the nurse gather first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first priority in assessing jaundice in a newborn is to determine the extent of the jaundice by assessing the skin color of the newborn. This information will help the nurse determine the urgency of the situation and the need for further assessment or treatment. Bilirubin levels and stool characteristics may also be assessed, but skin color is the initial priority. Fluid intake is important but not as critical as assessing the extent of the jaundice.

A Telephone Triage Nurse Gets a Call from a Postpartum