The practical nurse (PN) is giving new parents discharge instructions. Which instruction should the PN reinforce with the parents regarding care of their newborn's umbilical cord?
Clean with water and allow to air dry.
Wash frequently with mild soap and water.
Apply baby lotion after the daily bath.
Cover the cord with a sterile dressing.
The Correct Answer is A
Newborns have a stump of the umbilical cord attached to their belly button which eventually falls off within 1-2 weeks. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. The PN should instruct the parents to clean the area with water and a clean cloth or cotton swab, and then gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. The parents should also be advised to avoid using any harsh soaps, lotions, or alcohol on the cord stump, as this can cause irritation or delay the healing process. It is not recommended to cover the cord stump with a sterile dressing unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: B. Limit play with the stuffed toy when out of the tent.
Rationale:
A) Spray the toy with disinfectant before placing it in the tent: Disinfecting the toy may not be necessary unless the toy is visibly soiled. Moreover, the use of disinfectants around the child may pose a risk of respiratory irritation, making this option inappropriate.
B) Limit play with the stuffed toy when out of the tent: This action is appropriate as it helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination and reduces exposure to potential allergens or irritants that may worsen the child's condition. Keeping the toy limited to the tent allows for a safer environment for the child.
C) Allow the child to have the stuffed toy in the tent: While having a favorite toy can provide comfort, it’s crucial to ensure that the toy does not harbor germs that could exacerbate the child's illness. In a mist tent, moisture can also promote mold growth on soft toys, so extra caution is necessary.
D) Ask the mother to wash the toy daily at home: While washing the toy is a good practice, this option does not directly address the immediate care in the hospital setting. Daily washing might not be feasible for the mother during the hospital stay, and it does not focus on minimizing exposure during the child’s hospitalization.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The first action the PN should take is to check the client's serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level. This hormone is produced by the placenta and can provide important information about the viability of the pregnancy.
Option B, verifying the date of the last menstrual cycle, can provide useful information about the gestational age of the pregnancy but is not the first priority.
Option C, repeating a urine pregnancy test, can confirm the presence of a pregnancy but does not provide information about its viability.
Option D, inquiring about the last occurrence of intercourse, is not relevant to addressing the client's immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
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