Which statement best describes physiological jaundice in newborns?

Which statement best describes physiological jaundice in newborns?

• A. It occurs after 24 hours in many healthy babies and will resolve in a few days.
• B. Physiological jaundice was caused by the bruising and cephalohematoma.
• C. Physiological jaundice occurs on the first day of life, and more tests will be needed.
• D. A blood exchange is required to treat physiological jaundice.

Answer: (A)

Physiological jaundice reflects the newborn liver’s temporary immaturity in processing bilirubin. In healthy term babies, this process is not fully ready at birth, so bilirubin builds up after birth and becomes visible as yellowing after about 24 hours. It’s typically seen first on the face, peaks around day 2–3, and then gradually resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks without special treatment. This pattern—onset after 24 hours and self-resolution in a short time—is what makes the statement the best description of physiological jaundice. If jaundice appears within the first 24 hours, or lasts much longer, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, that would suggest a different (pathologic) cause and warrant evaluation. Jaundice from bruising or cephalohematoma happens due to red blood cell breakdown from birth trauma, which is a different mechanism. Exchange transfusion is reserved for cases of very high bilirubin levels or risk of brain injury, not typical physiological jaundice.

Physiological jaundice reflects the newborn liver’s temporary immaturity in processing bilirubin. In healthy term babies, this process is not fully ready at birth, so bilirubin builds up after birth and becomes visible as yellowing after about 24 hours. It’s typically seen first on the face, peaks around day 2–3, and then gradually resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks without special treatment. This pattern—onset after 24 hours and self-resolution in a short time—is what makes the statement the best description of physiological jaundice.

If jaundice appears within the first 24 hours, or lasts much longer, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, that would suggest a different (pathologic) cause and warrant evaluation. Jaundice from bruising or cephalohematoma happens due to red blood cell breakdown from birth trauma, which is a different mechanism. Exchange transfusion is reserved for cases of very high bilirubin levels or risk of brain injury, not typical physiological jaundice.