Which physical sign can help identify a jaundice level in an infant?

Observable yellowing of the skin is a key physical sign in identifying jaundice levels in an infant. Jaundice results from an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, often leading to a noticeable yellow tint in the skin and the sclera (the whites of the eyes). This yellowing typically starts in the face and then progresses downward through the body as bilirubin levels rise. It is a simple and effective visual assessment that provides immediate insight into the presence and severity of jaundice, allowing caregivers to respond appropriately.

Other methods, such as measuring vital signs, height measurement, or analyzing changes in skin texture, do not provide the same direct indication of jaundice. Vital signs can indicate various health issues but do not specifically identify bilirubin levels. Measuring height is unrelated to jaundice, while skin texture changes can occur for many reasons and are not specific to jaundice diagnosis.