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The Yellow Clue

An Interrupted Case Study of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

By Latia Moddelmog, Jonathan M. Conard, Melissa M. Conard

The Yellow Clue


 

Abstract

This interrupted case study follows the story of “Adam” and “Grace” as they find out that they are expecting a baby girl.  As first-time parents, they are excited and nervous about what the future holds.  The baby, “Callie,” arrives early but is otherwise healthy.  While the delivery goes well, she begins to appear increasingly jaundiced a few days after being discharged from the hospital. Callie must be readmitted to the hospital for phototherapy to reduce her bilirubin levels. Throughout the development of the story, students are presented with questions that integrate a variety of topics including red blood cell recycling, liver production of bilirubin, breastfeeding, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This case study was designed for students in a two-semester undergraduate human anatomy and physiology or a pathophysiology class. The case is suitable for any level of undergraduate student and could also be adapted for a high-school human anatomy and physiology course.

   

Date Posted

07/10/2026

Overview

Objectives

  • Explain how bilirubin is produced and processed in the body.
  • Explain what causes neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and how it presents in the body.
  • Describe treatment options for hyperbilirubinemia and how they help to reduce bilirubin levels in the newborn. 
  • Explain the risks of elevated bilirubin levels and the importance of early detection and treatment. 
  • Describe the benefits of breastfeeding and why breastfed babies are at a higher risk for elevated bilirubin levels during the first week of life.

Keywords

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia; jaundice; newborn; childbirth; bilirubin; premature; breastfeeding; phototherapy; encephalopathy

  

Subject Headings

Medicine (General)
Nursing
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

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