Bilirubin PowerPoint Flashcards
hyperbilirubinemia =
jaundice
red pigment in RBCs
hemoglobin
end product of RBC destruction
bilirubin
the great processing center of the circulatory system
the liver
enzyme that changes the bilirubin from an insoluble form (can’t be excreted from the body) to a soluble form (can be excreted)
glucornyltransferase
bilirubin is excreted (after being turned into a soluble form) from the body in
feces and urine
jaundice occurs when
unchanged bilirubin levels build up in the body and seep out into surrounding tissues
jaundice s/s
- Defined as a yellow color of the skin, mucous membranes, and secretions
- Subjective assessment of jaundice should be supplemented by a laboratory test for bilirubin
physiologic jaundice usually occurs day
2-3
very high levels of bilirubin can lead to
kernicterus
why newborns are at risk for a buildup of bilirubin
- Increased RBCs at birth
- Longer life of RBCs
- Immature liver (not enough enzyme for the quantity of bilirubin)
- Breakdown of RBCs r/t birth injuries
jaundice/hyperbilirubinemia treatment may include
- Phototherapy
2. Exchange transfusion
phototherapy nursing considerations
- record initial bilirubin level and temp
- place temp probe over abdomen
- place an opaque mask over closed eyes
- undress neonate and cover male genitalia (gonads) with small mask
- monitor elimination and weigh 2x daily
- monitor s/s of dehydration (depressed fontanels, skin turgor, and urine sp.gr.)
- reposition q2hr
- remove from lights and take mask off q3-4hr
- provide stimulation
- do not use oils or lotions on skin
normal neonate bilirubin lab values
direct: <0.5 mg/dL
total: <2.8 mg/dL (cord blood)
jaundice is clinically apparent when serum bilirubin levels reach
5 mg/dL
