Which code describes a newborn melena due to swallowed maternal blood?

Which code describes a newborn melena due to swallowed maternal blood?

• A. P78.2
• B. P78.0
• C. P79.0
• D. P78.3

Answer: (A)

Swallowing maternal blood during delivery can lead to melena in the newborn, and the coding should capture both the newborn presentation and the cause. The code that directly specifies neonatal melena due to swallowed maternal blood is the most precise choice, reflecting both the symptom (melena) and the etiologic factor (swallowed maternal blood) in the newborn. This exactitude is why it’s the best answer. The other options describe different perinatal conditions and do not convey this specific scenario, so they would not be appropriate.

Swallowing maternal blood during delivery can lead to melena in the newborn, and the coding should capture both the newborn presentation and the cause. The code that directly specifies neonatal melena due to swallowed maternal blood is the most precise choice, reflecting both the symptom (melena) and the etiologic factor (swallowed maternal blood) in the newborn. This exactitude is why it’s the best answer. The other options describe different perinatal conditions and do not convey this specific scenario, so they would not be appropriate.