The newborn diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) will require long-term follow-up to assess for the development of:

Choice A reason:

Obesity is not a common complication of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that causes increased levels of phenylalanine (an amino acid) in the body. Obesity may be related to other endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome.

Choice B reason:

Diabetes insipidus is a condition that causes excessive thirst and urination due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a problem with the kidneys' response to ADH. It is not caused by PKU, which affects the metabolism of phenylalanine.

Choice C reason:

Respiratory distress is not a typical symptom of PKU, although some newborns with PKU may have a musty odor in their breath, skin, or urine due to the buildup of phenylalanine.

Respiratory distress may be caused by other conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice D reason:

Cognitive impairment is the most serious complication of PKU if it is not diagnosed and treated early. High levels of phenylalanine can damage the brain and cause irreversible intellectual disability, neurological problems, and behavioral issues. Early intervention with a special diet that limits phenylalanine intake can prevent or reduce cognitive impairment in children with PKU.

Choice A reason:

This statement is incorrect because special lights are used to treat jaundice, not PKU. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver. Special lights help break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct because PKU is a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet. PKU is caused by a lack of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Phenylalanine can build up in the blood and cause brain damage and other health problems if not treated. A diet that is low in phenylalanine and high in a special formula can prevent these complications.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct because sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up. The PKU test is done one to three days after birth, but it may not be accurate if the baby has not had enough protein in their diet before the test. A repeat test may be needed to confirm or rule out PKU.

Choice D reason:

This statement is incorrect because the baby must take formula or breast milk after the test is done, not before. The test measures the level of phenylalanine in the blood, which will be higher if the baby has eaten protein-rich foods. The test should be done after the baby has fasted for at least two hours.