A term baby becomes jaundiced 16 hours after birth. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Measure serum bilirubin urgently, as jaundice within 24 hours is pathological
- Step 1: Physiological jaundice appears after the first 24 hours, usually at 2 to 3 days. Step 2. Jaundice within 24 hours suggests haemolysis such as ABO or rhesus disease, or infection, and needs urgent bilirubin and investigation. Answer: Measure serum bilirubin urgently, as jaundice within 24 hours is pathological. Why not the others: Early jaundice is not physiological, sunlight is not recommended treatment, and waiting risks kernicterus.
Practise more Child health.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (MSRA-style single best answer) mock tests.
More Child health questions
- A 5-month-old has had 3 days of coryza, a wet cough, wheeze and fine crackles, and is feeding adequately with an oxygen saturation of 97 per…
- A 2-year-old has a barking cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory stridor at rest after a coryzal illness. Which treatment is recommended?
- According to the NICE traffic light system for assessing a febrile child under 5, which finding places the child in the red (high-risk) grou…
- A 3-year-old has had 6 days of fever, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, red cracked lips, a polymorphous rash, swollen hands and cervic…
- A 4-week-old boy has projectile non-bilious vomiting after every feed and remains hungry. Which biochemical abnormality is expected, and why…
- A 9-month-old has episodes of colicky pain with drawing up of the legs, pallor, vomiting and a stool resembling redcurrant jelly. What is th…