A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a newborn about caring for the umbilical cord stump. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Give the newborn a sponge bath until the cord stump falls off.
Cover the cord with the diaper.
Wash the cord daily with mild soap and water.
Wrap the cord in petroleum jelly gauze.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pseudomenstration is a normal finding in newborn females due to the withdrawal of maternal hormones. It is not a cause for concern and typically resolves within a few days after birth.
Choice B rationale:
Positive Ortolan's test is a concerning finding in a newborn and indicates the possibility of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This test is used to check for hip instability, and a positive result may warrant further evaluation and intervention to prevent long-term hip problems.
Choice C rationale:
Dermal melanosis, also known as Mongolian spots, is a common benign condition in newborns with dark skin. It appears as blue or gray patches and typically fades within the first few years of life. While it may be alarming to parents, it is not a cause for immediate concern.
Choice D rationale:
Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in male infants, is relatively common and is caused by the transfer of maternal hormones during pregnancy. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks and does not pose a significant health risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in the first 24 hours after birth and is typically not a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale:
A newborn not voiding within 18 hours may need evaluation, but it is not as urgent as a potential infection.
Choice C rationale:
A newborn who is 24 hours old and has not passed meconium is not the most critical concern among the options provided. While meconium (the baby's first stool) should be passed within the first 24-48 hours, a slight delay may not be an immediate cause for concern.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should prioritize seeing the newborn with an axillary temperature of 37.8°C (100° F), as this could indicate an infection or other serious condition requiring immediate attention.
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