NCLEX RN Health Promotion and Maintenance Practice Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Health Promotion and Maintenance Practice Questions related questions and content

The nurse is teaching umbilical cord care to a new mother. What information should the nurse provide to the mother related to cord care?

  • A. Alcohol is the only agent to use to clean the cord.
  • B. Cord care is done only at birth to control bleeding.
  • C. It takes at least 21 days for the cord to dry up and fall off.
  • D. The process of keeping the cord clean and dry will decrease bacterial growth.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The cord should be kept clean and dry to decrease bacterial growth. It should be cleansed two to three times a day with a prescribed agent. Usually the cord is cleansed with soap and water around base of the cord where it joins the skin. The primary health care provider is notified of any odor, discharge, or skin inflammation. The diaper should not cover the cord because a wet or soiled diaper will slow or prevent drying of the cord and foster infection. Cord care is required until the cord dries up and falls off between 7 and 14 days after birth.