Which of the following assessments is important for a newborn on phototherapy?

Monitoring for temperature instability is crucial for a newborn undergoing phototherapy because the therapy can affect the infant's ability to regulate body temperature. Phototherapy typically involves exposing the newborn to a special type of light, which can cause the baby's body to lose heat more rapidly than normal. This can result in both hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and hypothermia (decreased body temperature).

During phototherapy, the newborn may need to be closely observed to ensure they remain within a safe temperature range, usually by using a radiant warmer or adjusting clothing as needed. Maintaining normothermia is essential since both overheating and excessive cooling can lead to adverse outcomes for the newborn.

While daily weight checks, evaluating serum electrolytes, and watching for signs of infection are all important aspects of caring for a newborn, especially one who is jaundiced and receiving treatment, the specific concern regarding temperature regulation in this scenario highlights why monitoring for temperature instability is paramount during phototherapy.