A nurse is teaching a newborn's parent how to care for the umbilical cord stump. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Apply petroleum jelly to the cord stump.
Give a sponge bath until the cord stump falls off.
Cover the cord with the diaper.
Wash the cord daily with mild soap and water.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Applying petroleum jelly to the umbilical cord stump is not recommended. The goal is to keep the stump dry to encourage the healing process. Petroleum jelly is a moisture barrier and could potentially keep the area too moist, which may delay the drying and falling off of the stump.
Choice B reason:
Giving sponge baths until the cord stump falls off is the correct practice. It is important to keep the stump dry, so sponge baths are preferred over tub baths during this time. This helps prevent the stump from staying wet, which can lead to infection or delayed healing.
Choice C reason:
It is not advised to cover the cord with the diaper. Instead, the diaper should be folded down away from the stump or use diapers with a special cut-out to keep the stump exposed to air. This helps the stump to dry and fall off more quickly.
Choice D reason:
Washing the cord daily with mild soap and water is not necessary and could be counterproductive. The stump should be kept dry, and if it gets dirty, it can be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth and then dried thoroughly. Regular bathing can introduce moisture, which may increase the risk of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Tipping the nipple to allow air as the baby sucks can lead to the baby ingesting air, which may cause discomfort and increase the risk of colic. Proper bottle feeding technique involves tilting the bottle to fill the nipple with milk, thus preventing the baby from swallowing air.
Choice B reason:
Keeping the baby's head elevated during feeding is recommended to prevent milk from flowing too fast and to reduce the risk of ear infections and choking. It also aids in proper digestion and helps prevent reflux.
Choice C reason:
Allowing the baby to burp several times during each feeding is important to release any air swallowed during feeding. This can help prevent discomfort, gas, and spit-up. Burping can be done by gently patting the baby's back in different positions such as over the shoulder, sitting up, or lying across the lap.
Choice D reason:
Expecting soft, formed yellow stools is appropriate for a newborn, especially if breastfed, as their stools tend to be soft and a mustard yellow color. The frequency and consistency of stools can vary, but they generally reflect the baby's diet and are an indicator of good health.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Notifying the provider of the findings is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The provider should be informed after initial measures to stabilize the client's condition have been taken.
Choice B reason:
Positioning the client with one hip elevated, also known as the lateral or left-lateral position, is the priority action. This position can help improve blood flow and potentially increase the maternal blood pressure, which is critically low at 92/54 mm Hg. It also helps to optimize uteroplacental perfusion, which is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
Choice C reason:
Having the client void can be helpful in preventing bladder distention, which can interfere with labor progress. However, it is not the priority action when the client's blood pressure is significantly low.
Choice D reason:
Asking the client if she needs pain medication is an important part of comfort care during labor. However, addressing the client's low blood pressure is a more immediate concern to prevent potential complications for both the mother and the fetus.
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