Which of the following should be recommended for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia?

For a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, the recommended intervention is phototherapy, which is a common and effective treatment for reducing elevated bilirubin levels in neonates. Phototherapy works by using lights that help to break down bilirubin in the skin, making it easier for the infant's liver to process and excrete.

Vitamin E, while it has antioxidant properties, does not play a direct role in treating hyperbilirubinemia but may be given in some contexts to minimize oxidative stress. However, it's the combination of phototherapy alongside potential blood exchange procedures that is critical for managing significant hyperbilirubinemia, particularly when bilirubin levels are dangerously high and phototherapy alone may not be sufficient.

Exchange transfusion is a procedure that can be necessary in severe cases of hyperbilirubinemia where there is a risk of kernicterus or neurological damage due to extremely high bilirubin levels. This procedure helps to rapidly reduce bilirubin levels by removing some of the infant's blood and replacing it with donor blood, which has lower bilirubin levels.

Therefore, the choice that incorporates phototherapy and exchange transfusion, along with Vitamin E, represents a comprehensive approach to manage hyperbilirubinemia effectively. It addresses both routine and severe cases