Age Specific Nursing Care Related

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An infant develops jaundice 6 hours after birth. Which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Haemolytic disease of the newborn.
  • B. Umbilical sepsis.
  • C. Physiological jaundice.
  • D. Atresia of the bile ducts.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Jaundice within 24 hours of birth is pathological, often due to haemolytic disease of the newborn (A), such as Rh incompatibility causing rapid red cell breakdown. Physiological jaundice (C) typically appears after 24 hours, while umbilical sepsis (B), bile duct atresia (D), and neonatal hepatitis (E) are less likely to cause such early onset.