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    HESI RN EXIT 1 PROCTORED EXAM

    The nurse is preparing a 4-day-old infant with a serum bilirubin level of 19 mg/dl (325 Mcmol/L) for discharge from the hospital. When teaching the parents about home phototherapy, which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan? Reference Range Total Bilirubin (Reference Range: Newborn 0.1 to 10.5 mg/dL (1.7 to 180 Mcmol/L)]

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Reposition the infant every 2 hours: This ensures that all areas of the infant's skin receive equal exposure to the phototherapy light, which is important for the effective treatment of jaundice. B. Cover with a receiving blanket: This is incorrect because the phototherapy light needs to reach the infant's skin directly. Covering the infant with a blanket would block the light and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. C. Perform diaper changes under the light: While it is important to minimize the time the infant is away from the phototherapy light, diaper changes should be done quickly and efficiently, not necessarily under the light, to ensure cleanliness and to prevent any potential discomfort or safety issues. D. Feed the infant every 4 hours: Feeding the infant is important, but the frequency of feeding should be based on the infant's needs and not specifically tied to the phototherapy schedule. Additionally, frequent feeding can help promote bowel movements, which can aid in the excretion of bilirubin.

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