On her second postpartum day, the mother of a newborn says, “The doctor says the baby has physiologic jaundice.
Even though it is supposed to be normal, I don’t understand why it occurs.” Which fact regarding physiologic jaundice should form the basis of the nurse’s response?
It is caused by an increase in neonatal metabolism.
It is related to the destruction of fetal red blood cells.
It is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction.
It is related to the immaturity of the reticuloendothelial system.
The Correct Answer is B
Physiologic jaundice is a common condition in newborns that occurs when the baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.In the womb, the mother’s liver removes bilirubin for the baby, but after birth the baby’s own liver must take over this function.Because the baby has more red blood cells than an adult and their liver is still immature, they may not be able to process all the bilirubin and it may build up in their skin and eyes, causing a yellowish appearance.
Choice A is wrong because it is not an increase in neonatal metabolism that causes physiologic jaundice, but rather a decrease in hepatic metabolism of bilirubin.
Choice C is wrong because it describes a different type of jaundice called hemolytic jaundice, which occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby, leading to an immune reaction that destroys the baby’s red blood cells faster than they can be replaced.
Choice D is wrong because it confuses the reticuloendothelial system with the hepatic system.
The reticuloendothelial system is a network of cells and tissues that are involved in immune responses and phagocytosis (the ingestion of foreign particles or cells).
The hepatic system is the system of organs and structures that are involved in liver functions, such as bile production and detoxification.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels in newborns are 1 to 12 mg/dL (17 to 205 micromol/L) for total bilirubin and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/dL (3 to 24 micromol/L) for direct bilirubin.
Physiologic jaundice usually peaks at 3 to 5 days after birth and resolves by 2 weeks of age.
It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin levels are very high or rising rapidly, which may indicate a more serious condition or a risk of brain damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. It will be necessary for a Cesarean section when labor begins.This is because a pregnant person with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II can pass the infection to the baby during childbirth, which can be life-threatening.A Cesarean section can lower the risk of infection by avoiding contact with the virus in the genital area.
Choice A is wrong because herpes can recur after delivery, especially if the person has a history of genital herpes before pregnancy.Choice B is wrong because weekly cultures of the herpes site are not recommended during pregnancy, as they are not reliable indicators of viral shedding or risk of transmission.Choice C is wrong because it is possible to have more than one herpes outbreak during pregnancy, especially if the person has a primary or nonprimary first-episode infection in the third trimester.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rubella immunization should be given in the early postpartum period.This is because rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects or miscarriage, and rubella vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy.Therefore, the best time to vaccinate a woman who is not immune to rubella is after she delivers her baby.
Choice B is wrong because gamma globulin is not effective for preventing rubella infection or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).Gamma globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can provide temporary protection against some infections, but it does not induce lasting immunity.
Choice C is wrong because gamma globulin should not be given at the next visit for the same reason as choice B.Moreover, gamma globulin can interfere with the response to live vaccines such as rubella vaccine, so it should not be given within 3 months before or after vaccination.
Choice D is wrong because rubella immunization should not be given at the next visit or during pregnancy, as it can pose a risk to the fetus.Rubella vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine that can cross the placenta and infect the fetus.The risk of CRS from vaccination during pregnancy is low, but it cannot be ruled out completely.Therefore, women who receive rubella vaccine should avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks after vaccination.
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