Which statement describing physiologic jaundice is incorrect?

Choice A rationale The statement is incorrect because breastfed babies actually have a higher incidence of physiologic jaundice, often peaking at higher serum bilirubin levels (e.g., up to 15 mg/dL) and lasting longer (up to several weeks) compared to formula-fed infants. This phenomenon, termed "breast-milk jaundice" or "breastfeeding-associated jaundice," is likely due to factors in the milk or less frequent stooling, but is usually benign. The normal total serum bilirubin range is typically 25 mg/dL). Choice C rationale Because physiologic jaundice typically peaks between 72 and 96 hours of age, after most healthy newborns are discharged, parents must be educated on how to visually assess for the cephalocaudal progression of yellowing skin and sclera. They need specific instructions on when to contact a healthcare provider for signs of excessive jaundice or poor feeding, which is crucial for preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia. Choice D rationale Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life is almost always pathologic, commonly due to hemolytic disease (e.g., Rh or ABO incompatibility), which causes rapid bilirubin rise. Jaundice persisting past day 7 in a term infant or day 14 in a preterm infant also strongly suggests a pathologic process requiring further investigation, such as infection or metabolic disorders.