Sample interview questions: Can you explain your knowledge of neonatal jaundice and phototherapy treatment?
Sample answer:
Understanding Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice, a common condition in newborns, is caused by the breakdown of hemoglobin, releasing bilirubin into the bloodstream. Elevated bilirubin levels can lead to kernicterus, a rare but serious complication that can cause brain damage.
Causes of Neonatal Jaundice
- Physiological jaundice: Occurs in healthy newborns due to immature liver function.
- Breast milk jaundice: May occur in breastfed infants, as breast milk contains substances that inhibit bilirubin metabolism.
- Obstructive jaundice: Caused by a blockage in the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin flow from the liver.
- Pathological jaundice: Associated with underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease or hemolytic disorders.
Signs and Symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
- Dark yellow or orange urine
- Poor feeding or lethargy
Phototherapy Treatment
Phototherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultraviolet light to convert bilirubin into a form that can be excreted in bile.
Mechanism of Action
- Phototherapy dissociates bilirubin into a water-soluble form (lumirubin).
- Lumirubin is excreted in bile and urine.
- The skin absorbs the light,… Read full answer
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