The newborn with severe jaundice is at risk for developing:
A) encephalopathy.
B) bullous impetigo.
C) respiratory distress.
D) blood incompatibility.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Unconjugated bilirubin, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, is highly toxic to neurons. A newborn with severe jaundice is at risk for developing kernicterus or bilirubin encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the skin. It has no relation to severe jaundice and is the most likely complication of severe jaundice. A blood incompatibility may be the causative factor for the severe jaundice.

The Newborn with Severe Jaundice Is at Risk for Developing