A public health nurse plans to investigate the incidence rate of tuberculosis to inform the development of local public health programs aimed at prevention. Which of the following sources should the nurse use to retrieve this information?

Rationale

• Supplement feeding with sterile water: Sterile water provides no nutritional value and dilutes electrolyte balance, increasing health risks without reducing bilirubin. It can interfere with adequate breast milk intake, which is essential for promoting bilirubin excretion. Hydration for jaundiced infants must come from breast milk or formula, not water.

• Dress in only a diaper: Phototherapy requires maximum skin exposure so bilirubin can be broken down effectively through light absorption. Limiting clothing allows more surface area to receive therapeutic light. Keeping only a diaper on also prevents overheating or obstruction from unnecessary garments. This setup ensures optimal treatment efficiency.

• Cover newborn’s eyes with a shield: The bright phototherapy lights can damage the newborn’s developing retina, so eye protection is essential. Soft shields prevent retinal injury while still allowing the infant to move comfortably. The shields are removed only during feeding or parent interaction to allow bonding. Consistent use is a critical safety component of phototherapy.

• Breastfeed every 2 to 3 hr: Frequent breastfeeding promotes bilirubin excretion through stooling and hydration, supporting the infant’s ability to lower bilirubin naturally. More frequent feeds also prevent lethargy from worsening and help maintain stable glucose levels. Breast milk intake is a key measure for preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia progression during phototherapy.

• Apply lotion to skin every 4 hr: Lotions can absorb heat and increase skin irritation under phototherapy lights. Some topical products may also intensify light absorption, raising the risk of burns. The newborn’s skin must remain clean and dry to prevent adverse reactions. Avoiding lotions keeps the skin safe during therapy.

A. Refrain from using a tether strap on the car seat for children under 1 year of age: Tether straps are generally used for forward-facing car seats to reduce forward movement in a crash. Infants under 1 year should be in rear-facing seats, where tethers are not typically applicable, but the focus should be on proper rear-facing installation rather than avoiding tethers altogether.

B. Manual shoulder belts in the front seat are acceptable for school-age children over 8 years of age: Children under 13 years should ride in the back seat whenever possible, as front-seat placement increases the risk of injury from airbags and seat belts. Using front seats is not recommended solely based on age.

C. Restrict using rear-facing car seats for children after 1 year of age: Current guidelines recommend keeping children in rear-facing seats as long as possible, typically until at least age 2 or until they reach the height and weight limits of the rear-facing seat. Restricting rear-facing use at 1 year is outdated and unsafe.

D. Booster seats with belt-positioning should be used for school-age children until 8 years of age: Booster seats help position the seat belt correctly over a child’s shoulder and lap, reducing the risk of injury in a crash. This is consistent with current safety guidelines and supports proper seat belt use until the child is tall enough and meets weight requirements for adult seat belts.