Question

A 32 weeks' gestation newborn in the neonatal intensive care is being assessed for hyperbilirubinemia. Which diagnostic tests would the nurse expect to be done? Select all that a. Direct Coombs test

b. Blood type - Blood type is not directly related to hyperbilirubinemia assessment.

c. Hemoglobin levels - While hemoglobin levels may be checked for other reasons, they are not a specific diagnostic test for hyperbilirubinemia.

d. Bilirubin levels - This is not an incorrect option. In fact, measuring bilirubin levels, both total and direct, is a crucial part of assessing hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn.

Answer 1

For a 32 weeks' gestation newborn with possible hyperbilirubinemia, the nurse would expect the Direct Coombs test and measurement of bilirubin levels as part of the diagnostic tests. Blood type and hemoglobin levels may also be assessed, although they are not specific tests for hyperbilirubinemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing a newborn for hyperbilirubinemia, the nurse would expect several diagnostic tests to be performed. These tests could include:

• Direct Coombs test: This is used to check if there are antibodies attached to the newborn's red blood cells which might be causing the cells to break down, leading to high levels of bilirubin and jaundice.
• Bilirubin levels: Both total and direct bilirubin levels are measured to determine the severity of hyperbilirubinemia.
• Blood type testing: Although not directly related to the assessment of hyperbilirubinemia, the blood type, especially of the newborn and mother, may provide context for the possibility of hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can cause jaundice.
• Hemoglobin levels: These are not a specific test for hyperbilirubinemia but may be checked for other health concerns.

The Direct Coombs test is particularly important as it can indicate whether the jaundice is a result of the mother's antibodies affecting the newborn's red cells, which is a common cause of neonatal jaundice.