Physiologic jaundice in a newborn can be caused by: a. ...

[jho37]

Physiologic jaundice in a newborn can be caused by:
 
  a. fetal-maternal blood incompatibility.
  b. destruction of red blood cells as a result of antibody reaction.
  c. liver's inability to bind bilirubin adequately for excretion.
  d. immature kidneys' inability to hydrolyze and excrete bilirubin.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the clinical manifestations of the preterm newborn?
 
  a. Head is proportionately small in relation to the body.
  b. Sucking reflex is absent, weak, or ineffectual.
  c. Thermostability is well established.
  d. Extremities remain in attitude of flexion.

[nathang24]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Physiologic jaundice is caused by the immature hepatic function of the newborn's liver coupled with the increased load from red blood cell hemolysis. The excess bilirubin from the destroyed red blood cells cannot be excreted from the body. The fetal-maternal blood incompatibility and the associated red cell destruction by antibodies are the causes of hemolytic disease of the newborn. The kidneys are not involved in the excretion of bilirubin.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Reflex activity is only partially developed. Sucking is absent, weak, or ineffectual. The preterm newborn's head is proportionately larger than the body. Thermoregulation is poorly developed, and the preterm newborn needs a neutral thermal environment to be provided. The preterm newborn may be listless and inactive compared with the overall attitude of flexion and activity of a full-term newborn.