Physiological jaundice occurs in newborn babies 3 to 5 days after they have been born. It occurs because they have immature livers that cannot process bilirubin produced as a result of red blood cell breakdown. They therefore have an elevated level of bilirubin in their bodies.

Hydration

The infant with physiological jaundice is given adequate fluids such as breast milk so that the excess bilirubin in his system can be flushed out through his stools.

Exchange Transfusion

This treatment is used in severe cases where an infant's bilirubin level is dangerously high. Here, the infant essentially receives a blood transfusion which is the removal of the baby's blood that is then replaced with fresh blood.

Enzyme Induction Agent

Phenobarbital is an agent that may be administered to induce increased activity of the enzyme that processes bilirubin in the liver. This causes a decrease in the infants bilirubin levels.

Phototherapy

The infant is placed in an isolette, naked and exposed to artificial light. The light breaks down bilirubin in the child's skin. This is called phototherapy and the infant's eyes are covered during this procedure.

Supportive Treatment

The infant's mother is encouraged to continue breastfeeding if she desires. The nurse turns the child on a schedule to expose all parts of the skin to the phototherapy light. The nurse also monitors the infant's temperature to make sure it is within normal limits.

Source:

Physiological Jaundice at Medlineplus

"Neonatal Jaundice"; M. Jeffrey Maisels, Jon F. Watchko.; 2000.

"Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice"; Sandra M. Nettina ANP-BC.; 2009