During phototherapy treatment for a newborn, which nursing action is appropriate when the baby needs to feed?

During phototherapy treatment for a newborn, which nursing action is appropriate when the baby needs to feed?

• A. Remove the newborn from the phototherapy light for feedings.
• B. Continue phototherapy during feeding without interruption.
• C. Increase the intensity of the phototherapy to speed bilirubin reduction.
• D. Place the newborn by a window for natural light.

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that feeding takes priority for the newborn, and it's appropriate to pause phototherapy briefly to allow a good feeding session. Removing the infant from the phototherapy light during feedings lets the baby latch comfortably, stay calm, and take in milk effectively, which supports hydration and helps bilirubin elimination through stool and urine. After the feeding, the infant is returned to the phototherapy unit to continue treatment and the light is re-applied with eye protection as needed. This approach balances effective bilirubin reduction with ensuring adequate nutrition.

The important idea is that feeding takes priority for the newborn, and it's appropriate to pause phototherapy briefly to allow a good feeding session. Removing the infant from the phototherapy light during feedings lets the baby latch comfortably, stay calm, and take in milk effectively, which supports hydration and helps bilirubin elimination through stool and urine. After the feeding, the infant is returned to the phototherapy unit to continue treatment and the light is re-applied with eye protection as needed. This approach balances effective bilirubin reduction with ensuring adequate nutrition.