Newborn Nursing Care Q 39

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A postpartum nurse is providing instructions to the mother of a newborn infant with hyperbilirubinemia who is being breastfed. The nurse provides which most appropriate instructions to the mother?

  

     A. Switch to bottle-feeding the baby for 2 weeks

     B. Stop the breastfeedings and switch to bottle-feeding permanently

     C. Feed the newborn infant less frequently

     D. Continue to breast-feed every 2-4 hours

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Continue to breastfeed every 2-4 hours.

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Hyperbilirubinemia is caused by the accumulation of excess bilirubin in the blood serum. The skin and sclera of the eyes of the newborn may appear noticeably yellow as a result of breakdown of fetal red blood cells.

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Option D: Breastfeeding should be initiated within 2 hours after birth and every 2-4 hours thereafter. Early feeding of newborns with hyperbilirubinemia promotes intestinal movement and excretion of meconium which ultimately helps prevent indirect bilirubin buildup. The other options are not necessary.

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