Question

All of these statements about physiologic jaundice are true except:

a. Neonatal jaundice is common, but kernicterus is rare.
b. The appearance of jaundice during the first 24 hours or beyond day 7 indicates a pathologic process.
c. Because jaundice may not appear before discharge, parents need instruction on how to assess it and when to call for medical help.
d. Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of jaundice.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement about physiologic jaundice is that breastfed babies have a lower incidence of jaundice, while they may actually have a higher incidence due to breast milk’s properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about physiologic jaundice that is not true is that 'breastfed babies have a lower incidence of jaundice.' In fact, breastfed babies may have a higher incidence of jaundice, especially in the first week of life. This is due in part to the laxative effects of breast milk, which help to clear meconium and bilirubin, a breakdown product of erythrocytes, from the newborn's intestines. Higher bilirubin levels cause jaundice, which, while usually not harmful, can lead to serious conditions like kernicterus if concentrations are too high.

Neonatal jaundice is common, but it can indicate a pathologic process if it appears during the first 24 hours or persists beyond day 7. Also, as jaundice may not be apparent before discharge, parents should be instructed on how to assess it and when to seek medical attention. For newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, phototherapy is used because UV light helps break down bilirubin quickly before it can cause damage.