Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
PHOTOTHERAPY FOR NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA
Use of special light to convert bilirubin into water-soluble form for excretion.
Purpose
- Reduce serum bilirubin
- Prevent kernicterus
- Treat jaundice
- Support liver function
Indications
- Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
- Jaundice
- Hemolytic disease
- Prematurity with elevated bilirubin
Equipment
- Phototherapy lights
- Eye protection
- Diaper
- Temperature monitor
- Bilirubin meter
- Scale
Preparation
- Explain to parents
- Prepare equipment
- Baseline bilirubin
- Set up monitoring
Procedure steps
- Verify order
- Expose maximum skin surface
- Protect eyes
- Monitor temperature
- Position under lights
- Turn infant regularly
- Monitor bilirubin
- Document treatment
Precautions
- Protect eyes
- Monitor temperature
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Check skin regularly
Aftercare
- Monitor rebound bilirubin
- Assess skin
- Continue feeding
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Maximize skin exposure
- Maintain thermoregulation
- Support breastfeeding
Patient education
- Explain purpose
- Discuss safety
- Teach about jaundice
Documentation
- Light intensity
- Duration
- Bilirubin levels
- Complications
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
Open Component Task app