A parent of a 2-day-old newborn asks why the baby's skin loo… | MyMerci
Lifestyle ChoicesHPM
Question
A parent of a 2-day-old newborn asks why the baby's skin looks yellow. Which response should the nurse give?
1Yellow skin is always harmless and needs no follow-up.
2Jaundice can occur in newborns, but bilirubin levels and feeding must be monitored.✓ Correct answer
3The baby should stop feeding until the yellow color resolves.
4The baby needs antibiotics because jaundice is always an infection.
Explanation
Newborn jaundice can be common, but bilirubin level, feeding, hydration, and risk factors require monitoring. Feeding usually supports bilirubin elimination unless another order is given. Jaundice is not always infection and should not be ignored.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Newborn jaundice teaching.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Newborn jaundice teaching, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Jaundice — Yellowing of skin or sclera caused by elevated bilirubin.
Bilirubin — A pigment formed from red blood cell breakdown.
Newborn Feeding — Intake that supports hydration, stooling, and bilirubin elimination.