What is the recommended action for assessing a neonate with suspected high bilirubin levels?

The recommended action for assessing a neonate with suspected high bilirubin levels is to draw a bilirubin level. This test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood, which is essential for diagnosing hyperbilirubinemia, a condition where there’s an excess of bilirubin that can lead to jaundice. Elevated bilirubin levels can be a sign of various underlying conditions, and accurate measurement helps determine the severity of the condition and the appropriate management.

By drawing the bilirubin levels, healthcare providers can assess whether immediate intervention is necessary, such as phototherapy or exchange transfusion, to prevent potential complications like kernicterus, which can result from untreated high bilirubin levels. Other assessments, while important for overall health management, do not directly provide the critical information needed to evaluate bilirubin levels.