A neonate is displaying mottled skin, has a large fontanel and tongue, is lethargic, and is having difficulty feeding. The nurse recognizes that this is most suggestive of which disorder?

When the skin surface is caked with desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions after the removal of a cast, the nurse should suggest washing the area with warm water and soap. This will help to gently cleanse the skin and remove the accumulated material without causing unnecessary trauma or irritation.

Option A, applying powder to absorb the material, may not effectively remove the caked material and could potentially lead to further clumping or discomfort.

Option B, vigorously scrubbing the leg, can be harsh on the skin and may cause skin irritation, redness, or even abrasions. It is important to be gentle and avoid excessive scrubbing, especially on the fragile and recently exposed skin.

Option C, carefully picking the material off the leg, can increase the risk of skin injury or introduce bacteria into the skin. Picking at the skin should be avoided to prevent further damage or infection.

Therefore, option D, washing the area with warm water and soap, is the most appropriate and gentle method to remove the caked material from the skin surface

The anatomy of the urinary tract can influence the susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs). In the case of young girls, their urethra is shorter compared to adult females, which increases the likelihood of bacteria reaching the bladder. The shorter urethra provides a shorter distance for bacteria to travel from the outside of the body to the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Prostatic secretions in males in (option A) is incorrect because they are not directly related to the increased susceptibility to UTIs. Prostatic secretions can, however, contribute to conditions like prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can be associated with urinary symptoms and sometimes bacterial infections.

Frequent emptying of the bladder in (option C) is incorrect because it is generally considered a healthy practice as it helps to flush out any potential bacteria in the urinary tract. It does not predispose the urinary tract to infection.

Increased fluid intake in (option D) is incorrect because it is generally encouraged to maintain proper hydration and urinary tract health. It can help to flush out bacteria from the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection.

While these factors may have implications for urinary tract health, the specific factor that predisposes the urinary tract to infection, particularly in young girls, is the short urethra (B).