What is true regarding FAS and NAS?

A. Discard unused formula in used bottle after 2 hours:Once a baby has started drinking from a bottle, bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate the formula. Any leftover formula should be discarded after 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection.

B. Never prop a bottle:Propping a bottle can lead to choking, ear infections, and dental issues (such as baby bottle tooth decay). Babies should always be held upright during feedings.

C. Formula is available in three forms:Infant formula is available in three types:Ready-to-feed (no mixing needed),Liquid concentrate (mix with water),Powdered formula (mix with water).

E. Store prepared bottles in the refrigerator:If formula is prepared in advance, it must be stored in the refrigerator (≤ 4°C or 40°F) and used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Incorrect Answer:

D. Warm the bottle in the microwave:Microwaving heats unevenly, creating hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth. Instead, warm bottles by placing them in warm water for a few minutes and always test the temperature on the wrist before feeding.

Choice A reason:

Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility is the most common cause of pathologic jaundice, which appears within the first 24 hours of life. This occurs when the mother's antibodies attack the newborn's red blood cells, causing hemolysis and increased bilirubin production. The excess bilirubin causes the yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

Choice B reason:

The absence of vitamin K is not related to jaundice but to hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and is given to newborns as an injection shortly after birth. Newborns are at risk of vitamin K deficiency because they have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies and breast milk, and their intestinal bacteria are not yet able to synthesize vitamin K.

Choice C reason:

Maternal cocaine abuse can cause many complications for the newborn, such as prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome, neurobehavioral problems, and congenital anomalies. However, it is not a direct cause of jaundice in the newborn.

Choice D reason:

Physiologic jaundice is a normal and benign condition that affects about 60% of term newborns. It occurs due to the immature liver's inability to metabolize bilirubin effectively. It usually appears after the first 24 hours of life and peaks around the third or fourth day. It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin level is very high or rising rapidly.