NCLEX-RN
Health Promotion and Maintenance

Bilirubin Levels in Newborns and Phototherapy

Medium Ante/intra/postpartum And Newborn Care Newborn Care

During a routine assessment, a nurse notes that a newborn's bilirubin level is at 14 mg/dL. The nurse recalls that the normal physiological range for a newborn's bilirubin levels usually peaks at around 3 to 5 days after birth. High bilirubin levels require monitoring for the potential development of kernicterus, a serious condition that can occur if bilirubin levels rise too high.

The nurse is aware that intervention may include phototherapy to help decrease bilirubin levels safely. For effective treatment, the nurse prepares the newborn for phototherapy, ensuring their eyes are protected and skin exposed for maximum efficacy. The nurse explains to the mother that the expected outcome of the treatment should be a reduction in bilirubin levels to below _____ mg/dL to ensure the newborn is no longer at risk for kernicterus.

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