Where is jaundice first noticeable in a newborn?

Prepare for the HESI Developmental Stages and Transitions Exam. Review critical concepts with multiple-choice questions and insightful explanations to excel in your test. Boost your confidence and pass with ease!

Multiple Choice

Where is jaundice first noticeable in a newborn?

Explanation:
Jaundice in a newborn is first noticeable where the skin is thin and the tissues are highly vascular, so bilirubin shows up most clearly in the face. The sclera of the eyes and the forehead are common first sites; you can often see a yellow tint in the whites of the eyes (scleral icterus) before any other area. As bilirubin levels rise, the yellow color spreads to the trunk and then to the extremities. That’s why the head—particularly the face and eyes—is the earliest place jaundice is seen.

Jaundice in a newborn is first noticeable where the skin is thin and the tissues are highly vascular, so bilirubin shows up most clearly in the face. The sclera of the eyes and the forehead are common first sites; you can often see a yellow tint in the whites of the eyes (scleral icterus) before any other area. As bilirubin levels rise, the yellow color spreads to the trunk and then to the extremities. That’s why the head—particularly the face and eyes—is the earliest place jaundice is seen.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy