Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet Related

Review Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet related questions and content

The nurse notices that a neonate being treated for hyperbilirubinemia with phototherapy has had a daily increase of total bilirubin serum levels greater than 5 mg/dL for the past 2 days. The neonatal care provider prescribes an exchange transfusion. Which knowledge does the nurse apply to the procedure?

  • A. The bilirubin indicates a severe hemolytic disease.
  • B. Approximately 85% of the neonate’s RBCs are replaced.
  • C. Donor RBCs are obtained from the neonate’s mother.
  • D. The procedure is exclusive to pathological jaundice.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a daily increase of total bilirubin levels greater than 5 mg/dL in a neonate being treated for hyperbilirubinemia with phototherapy indicates severe hemolytic disease. This condition requires an exchange transfusion to remove excess bilirubin and replace damaged RBCs. Choice B is incorrect as the percentage of RBCs replaced during an exchange transfusion is closer to 50-60%. Choice C is incorrect as donor RBCs are typically obtained from a blood bank, not the neonate's mother. Choice D is incorrect as an exchange transfusion may be necessary for severe hyperbilirubinemia of various etiologies, not exclusively pathological jaundice.