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 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This response would not be appropriate because it provides incorrect information. Breast milk is already present in the mother's breasts during pregnancy, and the newborn's disinterest in eating is likely due to other factors.
Choice B rationale:
This is the best response because it acknowledges the mother's concern and offers a practical solution to help the newborn latch onto the breast properly. Correct latching is crucial for successful breastfeeding, and once the baby latches on correctly, they are more likely to breastfeed effectively.
Choice C rationale:
While it is true that newborns often experience deep sleep phases, attributing the disinterest in eating solely to deep sleep is not accurate. Offering support and guidance for breastfeeding would be more beneficial.
Choice D rationale:
This response oversimplifies the situation and may not address the actual reason for the newborn's disinterest in feeding. It is essential to help the mother with proper techniques rather than just waking up the baby.
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