A parent of a 2-day-old newborn asks why the baby's skin loo… | MyMerci
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Question
A parent of a 2-day-old newborn asks why the baby's skin looks yellow. Which response should the nurse give?
1Jaundice occurs often, but bilirubin levels and feeding require monitoring.✓ Correct answer
2Feeding should be decreased until the jaundice fades, as breast milk contributes.
3Yellow skin reflects normal fetal red blood cell breakdown and does not require any lab tests.
4Jaundice in newborns often signals a bacterial infection and requires antibiotic therapy.
Explanation
Newborn jaundice is common due to immature liver function and increased red blood cell breakdown. However, bilirubin levels must be monitored because high levels can cause kernicterus. Option 1 is correct: it acknowledges jaundice but stresses monitoring. Option 2 is incorrect: breast milk jaundice does not require stopping feeding; feeding promotes bilirubin excretion. Option 3 is incorrect: while jaundice is often physiologic, bilirubin levels should be checked to rule out pathologic causes. Option 4 is incorrect: jaundice is not typically a sign of bacterial infection; it is usually benign but requires evaluation.
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.