A mother comes to the clinic with her infant for a newborn checkup at 1 week of age.The mother tells the nurse,"My baby looks yellow to me." Which is the nurse's best response?

A) "What type of detergent are you using to wash the baby clothes?"
B) "Is there a possibility you had hepatitis during your pregnancy?"
C) "The color is from the breakdown of maternal red blood cells."
D) "There is a cream you can use to reduce the yellowing."

Question

Natalie Mavronas · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The yellowing of the skin in newborns is likely due to physiologic jaundice, which occurs as a result of the breakdown of excess red blood cells. This is a common and normal occurrence in newborns and typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. Option A is not relevant to the situation. Option B is a reasonable consideration, but not the best response as it could cause unnecessary worry in the mother. Option D is not helpful as there is no cream for physiologic jaundice.

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