Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Practice
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 2 days old and has a total serum bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Initiate phototherapy. Phototherapy is the primary treatment for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, as it helps to break down excess bilirubin in the skin. Administering glucose water (choice A) is not indicated for treating hyperbilirubinemia. Feeding the newborn formula (choice B) or offering sterile water (choice C) will not directly address the elevated bilirubin levels in the newborn.