A nurse is caring for a newborn with elevated serum bilirubin levels and jaundice.

The nurse suspects that the newborn is experiencing:.

Preterm infants are at the highest risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common breathing disorder that affects newborns.RDS occurs because of a lack of surfactant, a foamy substance that keeps the lungs fully expanded.Surfactant is usually produced by the lungs during the third trimester of pregnancy, which starts after the 26th week.Therefore, babies born before their due date, especially before 28 weeks of pregnancy, are more likely to have RDS.

Choice B is wrong because macrosomic babies, or babies who are larger than average at birth, are not at increased risk for RDS.

However, they may have other complications such as birth injuries or low blood sugar levels.

Choice C is wrong because post-term infants, or babies who are born after 42 weeks of pregnancy, are not at increased risk for RDS.

However, they may have other complications such as meconium aspiration or low blood sugar levels.

Choice D is wrong because newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, or high levels of bilirubin in the blood, are not at increased risk for RDS.

However, they may have other complications such as jaundice or brain damage.

Other risk factors for RDS include being a white male, having multiple fetuses, having a mother with diabetes, and having premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

The correct answer is choice A. Cerebral palsy.

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition where there is too much bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down.

Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it in bile.

However, if the liver is immature or damaged, or if there is excessive hemolysis of red blood cells, bilirubin can accumulate in the blood and cause jaundice.

If the bilirubin level is very high, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage the brain cells, leading to a condition called kernicterus.

Kernicterus can cause cerebral palsy, which is a group of disorders that affect movement and posture.

Choice B. Hypoglycemia is wrong because it is a condition where the blood glucose level is too low.

It can be caused by many factors, such as inadequate intake, excessive insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, infection, stress, or exercise.

Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, hunger, confusion, dizziness, or seizures.

It can be treated by giving glucose orally or intravenously.

Choice C. Necrotizing enterocolitis is wrong because it is a condition where the intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and dies.

It can affect premature infants or infants with low birth weight, congenital heart disease, or sepsis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis can cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, bloody stools, vomiting, lethargy, or shock.

It can be treated by stopping enteral feeding, giving antibiotics, and providing supportive care.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the necrotic tissue.

Choice D. Hypotonicity is wrong because it is a condition where the muscle tone is abnormally low.

It can be caused by many factors, such as nerve damage, spinal cord injury, brain injury, genetic disorders, or electrolyte imbalance.

Hypotonicity can cause symptoms such as weakness, flaccidity, poor posture, or difficulty swallowing.

It can be treated by physical therapy, braces, splints, or medication.