What is an expected assessment finding of a newborn with jaundice?

In a newborn with jaundice, the expected assessment finding includes scleral icterus, which is the yellowing of the whites of the eyes. This condition occurs due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, commonly resulting from the immature liver function in newborns, which is typically unable to process bilirubin efficiently during the first few days of life. As bilirubin builds up, it imparts a yellow color, first noticeable in the sclera before spreading to the skin.

When assessing a newborn, scleral icterus can serve as an early indicator of jaundice, and the degree of yellowing can be useful in determining the severity of the condition. This finding is particularly important for healthcare providers to monitor, as untreated jaundice can lead to complications such as kernicterus, which can result in permanent neurological damage.

Other options, while they might present under different circumstances, do not specifically indicate jaundice. For instance, while pale skin tone may indicate other issues such as anemia, excessive crying can stem from various causes like hunger or discomfort, and low blood pressure is not typically associated with jaundice in newborns. Therefore, attentiveness to scleral icterus is critical in the assessment of a newborn for jaundice.