Nursing Care of the Newborn Quizlet Related

Review Nursing Care of the Newborn Quizlet related questions and content

A nurse is planning discharge needs to a family whose baby has just been born. Which statement is the most accurate regarding care of the umbilical cord?

  • A. Wash the newborn every day in a shallow tub of water.
  • B. Rinse the umbilical cord with water and soap until it falls off.
  • C. Notify the practitioner if the umbilical cord is still in place after 1 week.
  • D. Swab the umbilical cord with alcohol or water daily until it falls off.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Swabbing the umbilical cord with alcohol or water daily until it falls off is the recommended care to prevent infection. Alcohol helps dry out the cord stump, promoting faster healing.
- A: Washing the newborn every day in water can introduce bacteria and moisture to the cord, increasing infection risk.
- B: Using soap on the umbilical cord can irritate the skin and delay healing.
- C: It's normal for the umbilical cord to fall off within 1-2 weeks, so there's no need to notify the practitioner unless there are signs of infection.