What action should a nurse take for a newborn receiving phototherapy for jaundice?

When a newborn is receiving phototherapy for jaundice, it is essential to ensure that the newborn wears a diaper. This is important because while it is necessary to expose as much of the skin as possible to the therapeutic light to effectively break down bilirubin, maintaining the newborn's modesty and hygiene is also crucial. A diaper helps to keep the area clean and prevents any potential skin irritation or injury, while still allowing light to reach the majority of the baby's body.

Choosing to keep the newborn completely uncovered, while it may seem beneficial for phototherapy effectiveness, could raise concerns about maintaining warmth and protecting the skin from excessive exposure. Meanwhile, the use of sunglasses is not appropriate for a newborn in this situation, as it could block the beneficial light that is meant to treat jaundice. Placing the newborn in a dark room would also be counterproductive, as the phototherapy relies on the exposure to light to treat the condition. Thus, ensuring the newborn wears a diaper balances the need for effective treatment with the necessity for safety and comfort.