Question

The nurse is teaching a mother how to care for her infant who has hyperbilirubinemia. Which instruction regarding the best way to resolve the problem of physiologic jaundice should be included in the teaching? ? A. Stop breastfeeding if the jaundice worsens ? B. Give the infant extra liquids orally ? C. Administer vitamins with iron ? D. Replace formula feedings with water

Short answer

Answer: The best course of action for a mother dealing with physiologic jaundice in her infant is to continue breastfeeding and consult with a healthcare professional if the jaundice worsens or persists. Giving the infant extra liquids orally can also help, but it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and without interfering with breastfeeding.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding physiologic jaundice

Physiologic jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborns caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. It occurs due to immature liver function and usually resolves on its own within a week or two. It's important to address this issue with proper care and guidance.

Option A: Stopping breastfeeding if jaundice worsens

Stopping breastfeeding is not recommended in most cases since breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both the infant and the mother. Breastfed babies often have lower bilirubin levels than formula-fed babies, and most cases of jaundice in breastfed infants tend to resolve more quickly than in those who are formula-fed.

Option B: Giving the infant extra liquids orally

Providing extra fluids can help in flushing out excess bilirubin from the body. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before doing this to ensure proper hydration and nutrition without affecting breastfeeding.

Option C: Administering vitamins with iron

Iron does not play a role in the metabolism of bilirubin, so administering vitamins with iron will not help resolve jaundice. In fact, too much iron in early infancy may even lead to adverse effects.

Option D: Replacing formula feedings with water

Replacing formula feedings with water is not recommended since it can lead to inadequate nutrition and electrolyte imbalances. Feeding should be based on the infant's age, weight, and specific needs, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes.

Best course of action

Based on the information provided, the most appropriate instruction for the mother would be to continue breastfeeding and consult with a healthcare professional if the jaundice worsens or persists. Thus, Option B (giving the infant extra liquids orally) would be the best choice, but only as long as it does not interfere with breastfeeding, and is done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.