The light of which colour is used to treat neonatal jaundice?

RRB Staff Nurse Kolkata-2015

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Kolkata-2015

Explanation

Blue light is the correct color used for phototherapy in neonatal jaundice.
Bilirubin, the pigment causing jaundice, has a peak absorption of light in the blue-green spectrum, specifically between 460 and 490 nm.
This absorption of light energy converts the toxic, unconjugated bilirubin into non-toxic, water-soluble isomers (like lumirubin).
These water-soluble isomers can be easily excreted by the infant's kidneys and liver, thus lowering the bilirubin levels in the blood.

Option A: Red light has a longer wavelength that is not effectively absorbed by bilirubin. It does not induce the necessary photochemical reaction to make bilirubin water-soluble.
Option B: Yellow light is not used because its wavelength is not optimal for bilirubin absorption. The light must be in the blue-green spectrum to be effective.
Option C: Orange light, similar to red and yellow, has a wavelength that falls outside the peak absorption range of bilirubin, making it ineffective for phototherapy.

Visual 1: Diagram illustrating the process of photoisomerization, showing how blue light converts bilirubin into lumirubin.
Visual 2: Chart showing the light absorption spectrum of bilirubin, with a clear peak in the blue-green range (460-490 nm).
Visual 3: Infographic detailing the key nursing responsibilities during phototherapy, including eye protection, temperature monitoring, and ensuring hydration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Phototherapy for Neonatal Jaundice as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Phototherapy is a cornerstone of managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and preventing kernicterus, a severe form of brain damage.
Nurses are responsible for the correct administration of phototherapy, including setting up the equipment, monitoring the infant's response, and educating parents.
It is critical to monitor for side effects such as dehydration, temperature instability, and skin rashes, and to intervene promptly.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the treatment for 'neonatal jaundice'.
Recall or deduce the standard medical intervention for this condition. The term 'phototherapy' is key.
Associate phototherapy for jaundice with a specific color of light. The image provided is a strong clue, showing a blue light.
Evaluate the options based on the scientific principle: the color of light must match the absorption spectrum of the substance being targeted (bilirubin).
Eliminate colors that are known to be ineffective (red, yellow, orange) to confirm the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Phototherapy for Neonatal Jaundice
Stem keywords: neonatal jaundice, light, colour, treat
Lead-in keywords: which colour
Clinical cues: The question asks for the specific color of light used in a common neonatal treatment.

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