A nurse in a clinic is caring for an adolescent client who requests a prescription for birth control. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask?

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:
Turning the newborn every 4 hours is not necessary during phototherapy. The aim of phototherapy is to expose the newborn’s skin to as much light as possible.
Choice B rationale:
Applying hydrating lotion to the newborn’s skin prior to treatment is not recommended. The aim of phototherapy is to expose the newborn’s skin to as much light as possible.
Choice C rationale:
Eye covers should be used to protect the newborn’s eyes from the light during phototherapy.
Choice D rationale:
Providing the newborn with 15 mL glucose water after each feeding is not necessary during phototherapy. The newborn may need to be fed more often to help get rid of the bilirubin in his or her bowel movements.