Newborn Care: Let's Keep Them Healthy and Happy!

What should a nurse do when a newborn is under phototherapy lights?

a) Direct sunlight b) Phototherapy lights c) Warmer d) Radiant heater.

Answer:

A nurse should remove all the newborn's clothing, leaving only the diaper, when under b) phototherapy lights.

In the context of newborn care, a nurse typically removes all clothing except for the diaper when the infant is under phototherapy lights. This step allows a maximum surface area of the newborn's skin to be exposed to the light, optimizing the treatment's effectiveness. This procedure is typically used to treat jaundice in newborns, a common condition caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Direct sunlight can be too harsh for a newborn's delicate skin and can cause burns. While warmth is crucial for newborns, due to their still maturing thermoregulation abilities, their exposure to a radiant heater or a warmer must be carefully monitored to avoid overheating.

The neonatal period is an essential time for a newborn, filled with significant bodily changes, from the closure of fetal blood vessels to the maturation of the kidneys and temperature regulation systems.