NURSING CARE IN THE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common clinical conditions during the neonatal period and may progress to severe complications when not identified and treated promptly. In this context, the nursing team plays a fundamental role in the monitoring, prevention, and management of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. This study aimed to analyze the available evidence in the literature regarding nursing care and interventions for the monitoring and management of neonatal jaundice in newborns. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases using controlled descriptors and Boolean operators. Primary studies published within the last ten years, available in full text, and related to nursing interventions in the care of newborns with neonatal jaundice were included. Following the application of the eligibility criteria, fifteen primary studies were included, whose findings highlighted the relevance of nursing interventions in the monitoring and management of neonatal jaundice. The main strategies identified involved the safe administration of phototherapy, clinical and laboratory monitoring, promotion of breastfeeding, health education, humanized care, and home monitoring after discharge. Some interventions were associated with reduced bilirubin levels, shorter hospital stays, and improved care indicators. However, differences were observed in the results and methodological designs of the studies. The analyzed evidence reinforces the importance of nursing in the care of newborns with neonatal jaundice, especially in clinical monitoring, phototherapy safety, and family-centered care. The heterogeneity of the interventions and results points to the need for further research to strengthen care recommendations and support the implementation of evidence-based protocols.