ATI Nursing Care of Children Related

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What interventions would the nurse implement to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

  • A. Avoid using alkaline-based soap.
  • B. Bathe the infant with sterile water.
  • C. Cleanse skin with a gentle alkaline-based soap and water.
  • D. Thoroughly rinse skin with plain water after bathing in a mild hexachlorophene solution.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks, the nurse should bathe the infant with sterile water no more than two or three times per week. The eyes, oral and diaper areas, and pressure points should be cleansed daily. It is essential to avoid using alkaline-based soaps as they might destroy the 'acid mantle' of the skin. Additionally, cleansing with mild solutions and rinsing thoroughly with plain water is recommended to prevent skin irritation and maintain skin integrity. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the best practices for preterm infant skin care.