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Questions and Answers
How often should mothers feed their babies in the first several days?
How often should mothers feed their babies in the first several days?
Formula is always added to breastfeeding to increase the infant's enteral intake.
Formula is always added to breastfeeding to increase the infant's enteral intake.
False
What is the purpose of using transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB)?
What is the purpose of using transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB)?
To screen and determine the need for serum bilirubin (SBR) testing in babies.
Babies who are at risk for dehydration due to inadequate intake can be identified by assessing the adequacy of _______________________.
Babies who are at risk for dehydration due to inadequate intake can be identified by assessing the adequacy of _______________________.
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What is a sign of adequate intake in a breastfed baby?
What is a sign of adequate intake in a breastfed baby?
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TcB can be used as a stand-alone device for diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinaemia.
TcB can be used as a stand-alone device for diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinaemia.
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Match the following criteria with when to use TcB:
Match the following criteria with when to use TcB:
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A change from meconium to a _______________________ stool indicates adequate intake in a breastfed baby.
A change from meconium to a _______________________ stool indicates adequate intake in a breastfed baby.
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What is the purpose of the guidelines provided in the management of neonatal jaundice?
What is the purpose of the guidelines provided in the management of neonatal jaundice?
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The Neonatal Registrar will review all babies who are visibly jaundiced within the first 48 hours of life.
The Neonatal Registrar will review all babies who are visibly jaundiced within the first 48 hours of life.
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What is the importance of recognising babies with pathological jaundice early?
What is the importance of recognising babies with pathological jaundice early?
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SBR stands for _______________________ Bilirubin.
SBR stands for _______________________ Bilirubin.
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Match the following risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinaemia with their classification:
Match the following risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinaemia with their classification:
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Visual estimation of bilirubin levels is always accurate in babies with darker skin tone.
Visual estimation of bilirubin levels is always accurate in babies with darker skin tone.
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What is the recommended setting for visual assessment of jaundice?
What is the recommended setting for visual assessment of jaundice?
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What is the first area of the body where jaundice appears?
What is the first area of the body where jaundice appears?
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Study Notes
Purpose and Scope
- The purpose of the guidelines is to provide medical and nursing staff with management guidelines for neonatal jaundice.
- All babies developing jaundice must be evaluated in a timely manner.
Definitions
- SBR: Serum Bilirubin
- TcB: Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry
Procedure: Severe Hyperbilirubinaemia in Newborn Babies
- Major risk factors: • Jaundice observed in the first 24 hours of life • Gestational age <35 weeks or 10% weight loss compared to birth weight • Sepsis
- Minor risk factors: • High pre-discharge serum bilirubin (SBR) or Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry (TcB) level • Jaundice observed before discharge • Previous sibling requiring phototherapy • Macrosomic infant of a diabetic mother
Nursing Assessment for Jaundice
- Visual Assessment: • Assess the baby in a bright and natural light setting • Assess the sclerae, gums, and blanch the baby's skin to observe the underlying skin color • Jaundice appears first in the face and progresses caudally to the trunk and extremities
- Visual estimation of bilirubin levels can lead to errors, especially in babies with darker skin tone, who are preterm, under 24 hours of age, or receiving phototherapy
Other Assessment
- Assess baby's feeding regime and adequacy of intake
- Advise mothers to feed their babies at least 3-4 hourly or 8-12 times per day for the first several days
- Increasing the frequency of feeds decreases the likelihood of subsequent significant hyperbilirubinaemia
- Assess adequacy of intake/output, including: • 4-6 wet nappies in 24 hours and the passage of 3-4 stools per day by day 4 of life • A change from meconium to a mustard yellow, pasty stool
Use of Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry (TcB)
- Principles:
• TcB can be used to screen and determine the need for SBR testing in:
- Babies >35 weeks gestation, >24 hours old, and not receiving phototherapy
- All babies >35 weeks gestation, not visibly jaundiced at the time of their newborn screening test • This device is NOT intended as a stand-alone device for diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinaemia.
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Description
Guidelines for medical and nursing staff on managing neonatal jaundice, including timely evaluation and prevention of serious complications. Covers recognition and prevention of hyperbilirubinaemia, acute bilirubin encephalopathy, and kernicterus.