Question

The usual treatment for neonatal jaundice is exposing the infant to certain wavelengths of light. The infant wears only a diaper and undergoes the light treatment continuously for several days, even at night. Why can the infant's treatment then be discontinued?

Answer 1

Answer: B) because the transition between fetal hemoglobin to adult is complete

Answer 2

B) because the transition between fetal hemoglobin to adult is complete

Step-by-step explanation:

Neonatal jaundice usually appears from the third day of life and the incidence reaches 60%. However, since diagnosed and contained quickly, it presents no risk to the baby. Neonatal jaundice is a condition that leaves the skin and white part of the newborn's eyes yellow. This yellowish color is due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, a pigment produced by our body and stored in red blood cells, also called red blood cells.

In cases of neonatal jaundice, the most common treatment is phototherapy. Super effective and simple, the phototherapeutic treatment consists in subjecting the naked baby's body to fluorescent lights, also called "light bath". Light waves act by transforming bilirubin into molecules that are eliminated without having to overload the baby's liver. Depending on the intensity of jaundice, treatment may take 7 to 10 days, but treatment may be interrupted because the transition between fetal and adult hemoglobin is complete.