The nurse is caring for an infant with hemolytic disease.Which medication should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed to decrease the bilirubin level?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenobarbital is used to decrease the bilirubin level in a newborn with hemolytic disease.Phenobarbital promotes (1)hepatic glucuronyl transferase synthesis,which increases bilirubin conjugation and hepatic clearance of the pigment in bile,and (2)protein synthesis,which may increase albumin for more bilirubin binding sites.Dilantin,Depakene,and Tegretol are antiseizure medications and do not lower bilirubin levels.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Infant with Hemolytic Disease