Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is a potential complication of phototherapy in newborns?

1. Hypothermia

2. Hyperkalemia

3. Skin rashes

4. Retinal damage

The correct answer is: Retinal damage

Retinal damage is a well-documented potential complication of phototherapy in newborns. This therapy, commonly used to treat jaundice, involves exposing infants to specific wavelengths of light to help break down bilirubin in the skin. While phototherapy is highly beneficial and safe for the majority of infants, excessive exposure to these light sources can result in damage to the retina. Newborns have immature eye structures, making them more susceptible to the effects of light. To mitigate this risk, infants undergoing phototherapy are often shielded with eye patches or specially designed goggles to protect their eyes while still allowing the light to treat their skin effectively. In considering other options: hypothermia is generally associated with excessive heat loss rather than phototherapy itself, and while skin rashes can occur, they are less commonly linked directly to phototherapy compared to retinal damage. Hyperkalemia is not a typical complication of phototherapy but can arise from other underlying conditions. Understanding these potential complications aids in making informed decisions in the neonatal care environment.