Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Full-length
While assessing an Rh positive newborn whose mother is Rh negative, the nurse recognizes the risk for hyperbilirubinemia. Which of the following should be reported immediately?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The elevated bilirubin is in the range that requires immediate intervention, such as phototherapy. At a serum bilirubin of 12 mg, the neonate is at risk for the development of kernicterus, or bilirubin encephalopathy. The provider determines the therapy appropriate after reviewing all laboratory findings.