Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What should be done if a 3-day-old neonate has a bilirubin level of 10 mg/dL and is otherwise healthy?

1. Monitor bilirubin levels until normalized

2. Initiate phototherapy immediately

3. Refer to a neonatologist

4. Send to the neonatal intensive care unit

The correct answer is: Monitor bilirubin levels until normalized

Monitoring bilirubin levels is appropriate for a 3-day-old neonate with a bilirubin level of 10 mg/dL, especially when the infant is otherwise healthy. In healthy newborns, bilirubin levels often peak around this age, and many will resolve naturally without immediate intervention. The guidelines typically indicate that in otherwise healthy term infants, levels under 12-15 mg/dL usually do not require treatment, but they do necessitate careful monitoring to ensure that levels do not rise dangerously high. Monitoring allows for the observation of trends in bilirubin levels, providing time to assess whether any interventions are needed at a later point. Options involving immediate intervention, referral, or hospitalization may be considered in cases where the bilirubin levels are significantly higher, or if the infant shows any signs of distress or other concerning symptoms. However, in this scenario, given the bilirubin level of 10 mg/dL and the health status of the neonate, a careful and monitored approach is completely appropriate.