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 A
Explanation
A rubella titer of 1:33 indicates a low level of immunity to rubella, which can be dangerous for a pregnant woman and her fetus.
Rubella is a viral infection that can cause birth defects or miscarriage if contracted during pregnancy.A rubella titer of 1:10 or higher is considered protective.
Choice B is wrong because a non-reactive serologic test for syphilis (STS) means that the patient does not have syphilis, which is a bacterial infection that can also harm the fetus if untreated.
Choice C is wrong because blood type A-negative does not require further assessment unless the patient has antibodies to the Rh factor, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn if the fetus is Rh-positive.
This can be prevented by giving the patient Rh immunoglobulin injections during pregnancy and after delivery.
Choice D is wrong because hemoglobin 12.2 gm/dL is within the normal range for a pregnant woman, which is 11 to 14 gm/dL.
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
A low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, which can affect the oxygen delivery to the fetus and increase the risk of preterm labor or low birth weight.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Ask what the patient ate and drank within the last day or two.This is because the nurse needs to assess the patient’s current nutritional status and eating habits before providing any education or advice.The nurse can then tailor the counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
Choice A is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for the patient’s own growth and development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice B is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the relationship between the patient’s eating habits and fetal development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice D is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to discuss with the patient the basic nutritional requirements of pregnancy, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
The normal ranges for nutritional intake during pregnancy vary depending on the age, weight, activity level, and health status of the patient.
However, some general guidelines are:
• Increase calorie intake by about 300 calories per day
• Increase protein intake by about 25 grams per day
• Increase calcium intake by about 1000 milligrams per day
• Increase iron intake by about 27 milligrams per day
• Increase folic acid intake by about 600 micrograms per day
• Increase fluid intake by about 8 to 10 cups per day
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