A nurse is teaching a newborn’s parent to care for the umbilical cord stump. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Wipe the cord daily with alcohol prep pads.
Keep the cord moist.
Fold the top of the diaper underneath the cord.
Apply petroleum jelly to the cord stump.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Wiping the cord daily with alcohol prep pads is not recommended. Current guidelines suggest keeping the cord clean and dry without the use of alcohol, as it can delay the natural drying and falling off process.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the cord moist is not recommended. The cord should be kept dry to promote natural drying and separation. Moisture can increase the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
Folding the top of the diaper underneath the cord is recommended to keep the cord exposed to air and prevent irritation from urine or stool. This helps the cord dry out and fall off naturally.
Choice D rationale
Applying petroleum jelly to the cord stump is not recommended. The cord should be kept dry, and the use of ointments or creams can interfere with the natural drying process. .
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash in newborns but does not cause swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B rationale
A caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and is caused by prolonged pressure on the head during delivery.
Choice C rationale
Mongolian spots are benign, flat, congenital birthmarks with wavy borders and irregular shapes, typically found on the lower back and buttocks, not the head.
Choice D rationale
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull bone and its periosteum that does not cross suture lines. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is important for newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia. However, it does not directly prevent jaundice. Jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which are not directly related to blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Beginning phototherapy immediately is a treatment for jaundice, not a preventive measure. Phototherapy is used to reduce high bilirubin levels in newborns who already have jaundice.
Choice C rationale
Initiating early feeding is an effective way to prevent jaundice in newborns. Early feeding helps promote regular bowel movements, which aids in the excretion of bilirubin from the body, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a blood transfusion is a treatment for severe jaundice, not a preventive measure. Blood transfusions are used in cases of extreme hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.