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Neonatal jaundice — DRCOG MCQ

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HardNeonatal Care BasicsNeonatal jaundiceDRCOG

A term infant is visibly jaundiced at 18 hours of age but otherwise well. What is the most appropriate action?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: BMeasure serum bilirubin urgently and arrange neonatal assessment for early jaundice

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as E

E is correct. Jaundice in the first 24 hours is pathological until assessed and requires urgent serum measurement and medical review. A delays and uses an insufficient pathway for very early jaundice. B is unreliable. C precedes measurement and thresholding. D is unsafe and ineffective.

Reference: NICE CG98, Jaundice in newborn babies—recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg98/chapter/recommendations