Asked by Nathan Rowley on May 26, 2024
Verified
The nurse is caring for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia who is receiving phototherapy. Which is an appropriate nursing intervention for this newborn?
A) Apply lotion as prescribed to moisturize skin.
B) Maintain nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status to prevent nausea and vomiting.
C) Monitor temperature to prevent hypothermia or hyperthermia.
D) Keep eye patches on for at least 8 to 12 of every 24 hours.
Hyperbilirubinemia
A condition characterized by an excessive level of bilirubin in the blood, leading to jaundice.
Hypothermia
A medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.
Hyperthermia
An abnormally high body temperature, often resulting from external factors like heat exposure or internal disease processes.
- Identify and manage the symptoms and treatments of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.
Verified Answer
CJ
Chong JialiMay 28, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Newborns who are receiving phototherapy are at risk for thermoregulation issues. The nurse must monitor the newborn's temperature closely to rapidly detect either hypothermia or hyperthermia. Lotions are not used. They may predispose the newborn to increased tanning or "frying" effect. Newborns receiving phototherapy require additional fluid to compensate for increased fluid losses caused by the lights. The eye patches must be in place whenever the child is under the phototherapy lights.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and manage the symptoms and treatments of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.