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Neonatal jaundice — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyPostnatalNeonatal jaundiceDRCOG

A 3-day-old breastfed baby is brought to the GP because the parents noticed yellow skin. The baby is feeding well, passing urine and stool, and was born at 39 weeks. Jaundice was not present in the first 24 hours. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: A — Measure bilirubin using an age-appropriate method

Visible neonatal jaundice should be assessed with bilirubin measurement and interpreted against age in hours. Reassurance without measurement risks missing significant hyperbilirubinaemia. Breastfeeding usually continues with feeding support unless specialist advice indicates otherwise. Phenobarbital is not primary-care management of physiological jaundice.

Reference: NICE CG98; NICE NG194