A nurse is educating a new mother about umbilical cord care and how to prevent omphalitis, sepsis, and tetanus.
Which of the following statements by the mother indicates an understanding of the teaching?
“I should wash my hands before and after handling the cord stump.”
“I should apply petroleum jelly or ointment to the cord stump after each diaper change.”
“I should use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide to clean around the base of the cord stump.”
“I should fold down the top of the diaper below the cord stump until it falls off.”
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Washing hands before and after handling the cord stump can prevent the transmission of bacteria that can cause omphalitis, sepsis, and tetanus.
Choice B is wrong because applying petroleum jelly or ointment to the cord stump can delay its drying and increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because using hydrogen peroxide to clean the cord stump can damage the healthy tissue and delay healing.
Choice D is wrong because folding down the diaper below the cord stump can expose it to urine and feces, which can contaminate it and cause infection.
The normal range for umbilical cord separation is 5 to 15 days after birth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Give the vaccine intramuscularly in the anterolateral thigh.
This is because the anterolateral thigh is the recommended site for intramuscular injections in infants less than 12 months of age.
It has a large muscle mass and minimal risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels.
Choice A is wrong because informed consent is not required for routine immunizations, unless the parent or guardian requests more information or declines the vaccine.
Choice C is wrong because hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is only indicated for newborns whose mothers are hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg+), as they have a high risk of acquiring the infection from their mothers.
Choice D is wrong because there is no need to delay giving the vaccine until after breastfeeding is established.
Breastfeeding does not interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness or safety, and it does not increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Washing the penis with soap and water daily can irritate the circumcision site and delay healing.
The parents should only use warm water to gently clean the area and pat it dry.
They should avoid using soap, alcohol, or peroxide on the wound.
Choice A is wrong because changing the diaper every 3 to 4 hours is recommended to prevent infection and keep the area clean and dry.
Choice C is wrong because applying petroleum jelly on the penis with each diaper change can protect the wound from sticking to the diaper and reduce friction.
Choice D is wrong because calling the doctor if they see any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, foul odor, or fever, is a correct action.
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