What is a common intervention for the management of jaundice in neonates?

Phototherapy is a common intervention for the management of jaundice in neonates because it effectively helps to lower elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Jaundice in newborns often arises from an accumulation of bilirubin, which is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Phototherapy involves exposing the baby to specific wavelengths of light, usually blue light, which helps to convert the bilirubin into a form that can be more easily eliminated from the body.

This treatment is non-invasive and is typically used when bilirubin levels reach a certain threshold to prevent conditions such as kernicterus, which can cause severe neurological damage. The light penetrates the skin and affects bilirubin molecules, facilitating their excretion through the liver and kidneys.

While intravenous fluids, blood transfusion, and antibiotics may be necessary in certain situations related to jaundice or other conditions in neonates, they are not standard interventions for the typical management of jaundice. Intravenous fluids may be used if the baby is dehydrated or unable to feed, blood transfusion is reserved for severe cases of hemolytic disease, and antibiotics are utilized if there is a suspicion of an underlying infection.