A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Which of the following actions by the nurse reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn?

Choice A rationale:

Washing the penis with warm water and mild soap each day is not an appropriate statement regarding circumcision care with a Plastibell device. Keeping the area clean is essential, but soap may irritate the wound, and frequent washing can disrupt the healing process.

Choice B rationale:

Ensuring a loose diaper in the front is not directly related to circumcision care with a Plastibell device. It may be relevant for comfort, but it does not address specific care for the circumcision site.

Choice C rationale:

This is a correct statement indicating understanding of circumcision care with the Plastibell device. The plastic ring is expected to fall off on its own within a week, and this is a normal part of the healing process.

Choice D rationale:

Applying petroleum jelly to the penis during diaper changes is not recommended for circumcision care with a Plastibell device. The petroleum jelly can interfere with wound healing and should be avoided.

Choice E rationale:

This is also a correct statement indicating understanding of circumcision care. If bleeding occurs after the Plastibell has fallen off, it could be a sign of a complication, and the doctor should be notified promptly.

Choice A rationale:

"He is just cold”. is not the correct choice. While newborns can have cold hands and feet due to their immature thermoregulation, it would not explain persistent blue hands.

Choice B rationale:

"He may have been born with a heart problem”. is not the correct choice as it suggests a congenital heart defect. While cyanosis (bluish discoloration) can be associated with some heart problems, the hands alone being blue is less likely to be solely related to a heart issue.

Choice C rationale:

"The hands are always blue in a newborn”. is not the correct choice. While newborns may have bluish extremities (acrocyanosis) during the first few days after birth due to their developing circulatory system, persistent blue hands beyond this period would require further assessment.

Choice D rationale:

The correct choice is that "The circulation in his hands is not fully developed.”. Newborns have a developing circulatory system, and sometimes, their peripheral circulation takes some time to mature, leading to transient blue hands. However, if the blue color persists or worsens, it's essential to evaluate for any underlying issues.