A newborn has been admitted to the nursery shortly after birth. Nursing assessment reveals all of the following findings. Which findings should the nurse consider abnormal?
Explanation
• Jaundice during the first 24 hours after birth is always considered pathologic. Jaundice occurring after 24 hours lasting to day 8 is normal for term infants.
• Jaundice occurs due to an increase in serum bilirubin. This occurs in newborns because of several factors, including low enzyme activity used for the conversion and excretion of bilirubin,
• Sunken or depressed fontanelles in a newborn would indicate dehydration or low fluid volume and are a finding that should be reported to the physician.
• The other options are considered normal in the newborn.