A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is postpartum about bathing her newborn. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The correct guidance includes giving the newborn sponge baths until the cord stump falls off, which helps to keep the area dry. It is essential to keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry to prevent infection. Submerging the cord stump in water could increase the risk of infection.

Choice B rationale:

Covering the cord with the diaper is not advisable. The diaper could trap moisture around the cord stump, leading to a higher risk of infection. The cord stump should be exposed to air as much as possible to aid in drying and healing.

Choice C rationale:

Washing the cord with mild soap and water is not necessary and could introduce moisture, which should be avoided. Instead, the stump should be cleaned gently with a soft, dry cloth if it gets dirty.

Choice D rationale:

Wrapping the cord in petroleum jelly gauze is not a recommended practice. Applying petroleum jelly or other substances to the cord stump can interfere with the drying process and increase the risk of bacterial growth, leading to infection.

Choice A rationale:

The fit of the newborn's clothes is not a reliable indicator of hydration. It may vary based on the clothing size or style and does not give a direct measure of the newborn's hydration status. This choice is not appropriate for evaluating hydration and is therefore incorrect.

Choice B rationale:

The number of wet diapers per day is an essential measure for assessing a newborn's hydration. In the first few days after birth, the baby should have at least one wet diaper for each day of life (e.g., one wet diaper on day one, two on day two, etc.). Afterward, the newborn should have around 6-8 wet diapers per day, which indicates adequate hydration. This choice is appropriate and the correct answer.

Choice C rationale:

How often the newborn cries can be influenced by various factors, including hunger, discomfort, or sleepiness. While crying can indicate the baby's needs, it is not a specific or accurate measure of hydration status. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for evaluating hydration and is incorrect.

Choice D rationale:

The newborn's skin turgor is a measure of skin elasticity, commonly used in adults to assess hydration. However, it is not a reliable indicator of hydration in newborns, as their skin is more elastic and different from adult skin. Skin turgor is not a suitable parameter to evaluate newborn hydration, making this choice incorrect.