Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What lab value would you expect to be elevated in a newborn with acute bilirubin encephalopathy?

1. Low hemoglobin

2. Elevated bilirubin levels

3. Decreased white blood cells

4. Increased blood glucose

The correct answer is: Elevated bilirubin levels

In a newborn with acute bilirubin encephalopathy, you would expect elevated bilirubin levels as a key indicator of the condition. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy occurs when unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages neural tissues, which can lead to serious neurological complications. The elevation of bilirubin levels is typically a result of conditions such as hemolytic disease, prematurity, or poor liver function, all of which can cause an increased breakdown of red blood cells or impair bilirubin processing. The increase in bilirubin is a critical factor, as it directly correlates to the risk of neurotoxicity that leads to the encephalopathy. In clinical practice, monitoring these bilirubin levels becomes essential to assess the risk and provide timely interventions to prevent permanent damage. In contrast, the other lab values listed are not typically associated with acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Low hemoglobin might indicate anemia but does not directly relate to bilirubin levels. Decreased white blood cells may suggest an infection or other hematological condition but is not a primary indicator of bilirubin encephalopathy. Lastly, increased blood glucose does not correlate with this condition; in fact, changes in blood glucose levels could indicate different metabolic problems that are unrelated to