What is the distance a nurse should keep when positioning a newborn for phototherapy to avoid overexposure?

When positioning a newborn for phototherapy, it is important to maintain an appropriate distance to effectively treat conditions like neonatal jaundice while avoiding overexposure to light. The correct distance to keep is around 45 cm. This distance is strategically chosen because it allows for optimal light exposure to the baby’s skin while minimizing the risk of potential adverse effects, such as overheating or skin damage.

At this distance, the phototherapy light can penetrate the skin effectively to break down bilirubin, which is crucial for treating jaundice. If the baby is positioned too close, there is a risk of excessive light exposure, which can lead to skin burns or dehydration, while being too far could result in inadequate therapy and prolong jaundice. Thus, maintaining a distance of 45 cm helps balance the therapeutic benefits of phototherapy with the safety of the newborn.