A nurse is caring for a newborn who was born at 39 weeks of gestation and is 36 hours old.

Exhibits

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:
Yellow exudate will form at the surgical site in 24 hours, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
A dark red appearance of the penis could indicate a complication such as infection or necrosis, which would require medical attention.
Choice C rationale:
The Plastibell is not removed manually; it falls off naturally within 5 to 8 days.
Choice D rationale:
A snug diaper could cause pressure and discomfort on the surgical site; it’s recommended to fasten the diaper loosely.

The Plastibell circumcision technique is one of the most common methods of newborn circumcision. It involves placing a plastic ring under the foreskin and tying a suture around it to cut off blood flow. The foreskin then falls off naturally with the ring in seven to 10 days.

The correct answer is A. The nurse should include that “yellow exudate will form at the surgical site in 24 hours” as part of the teaching to the parents. This is because the yellow exudate is a normal sign of healing and should not be confused with infection.

The other options are incorrect because:

b. The parents should notify the provider if the end of the baby’s penis appears black, not dark red. This could indicate that the ring is too tight and is cutting off blood supply to the glans.
c. The Plastibell will not be removed 4 hours after the procedure. It will stay on the penis until the foreskin falls off naturally in seven to 10 days.
d. The newborn’s diaper should be loose, not snug. This is to prevent the ring from being dislodged or rubbing against the diaper.

Choice A rationale:
Asking if the partner is pressuring the client to have sex is important, but it’s not the most relevant question when a client requests birth control.
Choice B rationale:
Asking what the client knows about contraception is the most relevant question. It allows the nurse to assess the client’s knowledge and provide appropriate education.
Choice C rationale:
Asking if the client is sure their partner loves them is not relevant to the client’s request for birth control.
Choice D rationale:
Asking why the client is requesting birth control is important, but it’s not as relevant as assessing the client’s knowledge about contraception.