Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice

Phototherapy Treatment for Newborns

• The infant must be unclothed during treatment to ensure effective phototherapy.
• Maintaining normal body temperature is crucial during treatment.
• Vital signs should be taken at least every 4 hours.
• An opaque mask is necessary to shield the newborn's eyes.
• A small folded diaper covers the testes to prevent damage.
• A cap may be used to prevent heat loss from the head during treatment.

Monitoring Bilirubin Levels

• Bilirubin levels should be checked at least daily.
• Serum bilirubin levels usually fall 1 to 3mg/per dl after 8 to 12 hours of treatment.

Parent-Infant Interaction

• The phototherapy unit is turned off, and the eye shields are removed during parenteral visiting and feeding.

Care and Management

• Providing proper care and maintaining fluid level and hygiene of the newborn is essential.
• Proper feeding and medication administration are critical.
• Maintaining aseptic technique is necessary to prevent infection.
• Providing psychological support to parents and explaining follow-up care is vital.

Hypoglycemia in Newborns

• Hypoglycemia is defined as blood glucose < 45 mg/dL (< 2.5 mmol/L) in term neonates and < 30 mg/dL (< 1.7 mmol/L) in preterm neonates.
• Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include irritability, lethargy, seizures, apnea, grunting, and tachycardia.
• Risk factors for hypoglycemia include intra-uterine growth retardation, prematurity, hyperinsulinemia, prolonged fasting, endocrine abnormalities, and congenital heart disease.
• Treatment for hypoglycemia involves enteral feeding or IV dextrose.

Nursing Care for Hypoglycemic Newborns

• Identifying high-risk newborns and monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is crucial.
• Blood glucose levels should be checked within the first few hours after birth and every 4 hours thereafter.
• Preventing hypoglycemia in newborns at risk involves initiating early feedings with breast milk or formula.

Newborn Jaundice

• The first sign of jaundice is yellowing of the baby's skin and eyes.
• Symptoms of jaundice include lethargy, poor feeding, fever, and bilirubin encephalopathy.
• Bilirubin encephalopathy can cause irreversible brain damage, leading to severe hyperextension, fever, irritability, and seizures.

Exchange Transfusion

• Exchange transfusion helps to remove sensitized RBCs, decrease serum bilirubin levels, correct anemia, and prevent cardiac failure.

Diagnosing Newborn Jaundice

• A distinct yellow coloration is a sign of jaundice.
• Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) levels are used to diagnose jaundice.
• A complete blood count (CBC), blood type, and Rh incompatibility are necessary for diagnosis.
• Coombs test may be done to check for increased red blood cell breakdown.