Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
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Review Historical Article
Fundamentals of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice.
Phototherapy is the use of visible light for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn. This relatively common therapy lowers the serum bilirubin level by transforming bilirubin into water-soluble isomers that can be eliminated without conjugation in the liver. ⋯ Proper nursing care enhances the effectiveness of phototherapy and minimizes complications. Caregiver responsibilities include ensuring effective irradiance delivery, maximizing skin exposure, providing eye protection and eye care, carefully monitoring thermoregulation, maintaining adequate hydration, promoting elimination, and supporting parent-infant interaction.