A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a postpartum client about bathing her newborn.

Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

The correct answer is b. "I will apply petroleum jelly to the penis with each diaper change."

Choice A rationale:

• It is incorrect to focus on removing all yellow exudate.A small amount of yellow exudate is normal during the healing process after circumcision.Attempting to aggressively clean it off can irritate the delicate healing tissues and cause discomfort for the baby.
• Instead,parents should gently cleanse the area with warm water during diaper changes,allowing any mild exudate to naturally drain.

Choice B rationale:

• Applying petroleum jelly with each diaper change is an essential step in promoting healing and preventing discomfort after circumcision.Here's why:
  • Protects against moisture:Petroleum jelly forms a barrier that protects the delicate healing tissues from moisture from urine and feces.This helps to prevent irritation and keeps the area clean.
  • Reduces friction:The lubricating properties of petroleum jelly reduce friction between the penis and the diaper,which can minimize discomfort and pain for the baby.
  • Promotes healing:Petroleum jelly creates a moist environment that promotes healing and reduces scab formation.This helps the circumcision site to heal faster and more comfortably.

Choice C rationale:

• While ensuring a proper diaper fit is important for overall hygiene,it's not the most crucial aspect of post-circumcision care.A snug diaper can put unnecessary pressure on the healing penis,potentially causing irritation and discomfort.It's generally recommended to choose a diaper that fits comfortably without being too tight.

Choice D rationale:

• Using soap to wash the penis is not recommended during the healing process.Soap can be harsh and drying to the delicate tissues,potentially causing irritation and delaying healing.
• Warm water is sufficient for cleansing the area during diaper changes.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) "Wash your newborn's head under a stream of running water": Washing the newborn's head under a stream of running water is not safe due to the risk of startling the baby or causing discomfort. Instead, the head should be gently washed using a damp cloth or sponge.

B) "Bathe your newborn within 30 minutes after a feeding": Bathing a newborn within 30 minutes after feeding is not advisable as it may cause discomfort or spitting up due to the baby's full stomach. It is better to wait for some time after feeding before bathing the baby.

C) "Start the bath by washing the newborn's diaper area first": Starting the bath by washing the newborn's diaper area first is not recommended. The face and head should be washed first to avoid spreading bacteria from the diaper area to other parts of the body.

D) "The bath water should be 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit": This is the correct temperature range for a newborn's bath water. It is essential to ensure that the water is warm enough to be comfortable but not too hot, to avoid burns or discomfort. The temperature should be checked with a thermometer or the elbow to ensure it is safe for the baby.