Physiologic jaundice, which appears after the first 24 hours of life, is a common condition in newborns. This type of jaundice occurs because the newborn's liver is not fully developed, leading to a slower clearance of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells.
To answer the question: "Physiologic jaundice appears after the first 24 hours of life due to the liver's inability to clear excess bilirubin fast enough. True/False?" The correct answer is: True.
Explanation:
1. Physiologic jaundice typically starts after the first day of life and peaks around the third to fifth day.
2. The liver of a newborn is still maturing, and it may not be able to process bilirubin as efficiently as an adult liver.
3. As a result, bilirubin levels in the blood can rise, leading to the yellowing of the skin and eyes characteristic of jaundice.
4. This type of jaundice is usually harmless and resolves on its own as the baby's liver matures and becomes more efficient at processing bilirubin.
In summary, physiologic jaundice is a true statement as it does occur after the first 24 hours of life due to the liver's temporary inability to clear excess bilirubin efficiently in newborns.
