Final answer:
Kernicterus is most closely associated with jaundice, poor feeding, and lethargy in neonates and is due to high bilirubin levels which can cause neurological damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the conditions listed, neonates exhibiting poor feeding, lethargy, and jaundice should be evaluated for kernicterus, which is a neurological condition resulting from high levels of bilirubin in the blood, capable of crossing into the brain tissues.
Kernicterus is a form of bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction and could explain the symptoms, particularly if jaundice is also present.
Other potential causes such as hypoglycemia or hypothyroidism may also present with similar signs but kernicterus is closely associated with the presence of jaundice and can result in severe, long-lasting complications if not addressed promptly.