North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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What is one common reason for jaundice in newborns?

Excessive feeding
Low oxygen levels
Decreased life span of red blood cells
Inadequate hydration

The correct answer is: Decreased life span of red blood cells

One common reason for jaundice in newborns is the decreased lifespan of red blood cells. Newborns typically have higher levels of bilirubin in their blood because of the rapid breakdown of their red blood cells, which have a shorter lifespan compared to those in adults. When red blood cells break down, they release hemoglobin, which is converted into bilirubin. As newborns' livers are still maturing, they may not be able to process this bilirubin efficiently at first, leading to an accumulation and resulting in jaundice, which manifests as a yellowing of the skin and eyes. The other factors, such as excessive feeding or inadequate hydration, may influence a newborn's overall health but are not direct causes of the bilirubin buildup typically associated with jaundice. Low oxygen levels can affect newborn health significantly, but they are not a common mechanism that leads directly to jaundice. Understanding this physiological process is essential for managing and recognizing jaundice in newborns.