Question

A 36 week newborn has a cephalohematoma, and bruising from a difficult delivery. The nurse recognizes an increased need to monitor which of the following?

A. Glucose levels

B. Bilirubin levels

C. Signs/Symptoms of infection

D. Continuous pulse oximetry

Answer 1

Answer - Option B is correct answer. A 36 week baby newborn with cephalohematoma and bruising increase the risk of elevated level of bilirubin which cause jaundice in first 24 hour of childbirth.

Accumulation of blood under scalp during child birth and excess blood loss cause hemolysis, excessive rbc break down leads to increase bilirubin level or high risk for developing jaundice.

Increase risk for infection in cephalohematoma seen in some cases and does not need to monitor glucose level. Pulse oximeter is necessary to monitor oxygen saturation but highest priority to monitor serum bilirubin level bacause cphalohemotoma cause jaundice.