Question

First, the age of the neonate must be ascertained to determine whether this is physiologic or pathologic jaundice; next, the nurse should obtain a sample of heel blood to determine the serum bilirubin level.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The age of the neonate should indeed be determined to assess jaundice and a heel blood sample should be taken to measure serum bilirubin levels, identifying if the condition is physiologic or pathologic and to decide on the appropriate treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The age of the neonate must indeed be ascertained to determine whether jaundice is physiologic or pathologic. In neonates, jaundice can be caused by the accumulation of hemoglobin degradation products, such as bilirubin. Physiologic jaundice is common in newborns and usually harmless, while pathologic jaundice may indicate an underlying condition. Differentiating between these is crucial for appropriate management. A heel blood sample for serum bilirubin level helps in the assessment of jaundice. In infants, the normal concentration of bilirubin is less than 1 mg/100ml. Hyperbilirubinemia is diagnosed when serum bilirubin levels exceed this, and intense treatments like phototherapy may be necessary if the levels are significantly high to prevent complications like kernicterus—a potentially severe neurological condition. As infants do not have a fully functional blood-brain barrier, they are particularly vulnerable to high circulating levels of bilirubin.