A nurse is caring for a newborn. Which of the following actions by the newborn indicates a readiness to feed?

A. The mother cleans the newborn's eyes from the inner canthus outwards: This is the correct technique for cleaning the newborn’s eyes. It prevents contamination of the tear duct area by starting from the inner corner and moving outward to avoid spreading any debris or discharge from the eye.

B. The mother plans to use a cotton-tipped swab to clean the nares: This is not recommended because cotton-tipped swabs can be too harsh and might cause injury to the delicate nasal passages. The nurse should recommend using a bulb syringe to gently suction the nostrils if needed.

C. The mother leaves the yellow exudate on the circumcision site: Yellow exudate (fibrin) on a circumcision site is normal during the healing process, as it forms a protective layer. It should not be removed, as this could cause irritation or bleeding. This is a typical finding in the healing process and does not require intervention.

D. The mother cleans the umbilical cord with tap water: Cleaning the umbilical cord with water is appropriate as it is a gentle, non-irritating way to keep the area clean. It is important to keep the area dry and clean to prevent infection. Alcohol or antiseptic solutions were previously recommended but are now used less frequently as they can sometimes delay cord separation.

A. Lies quietly with their eyes open: While a newborn being calm and alert may indicate they are awake, it does not necessarily indicate hunger or readiness to feed. The baby may be observing the environment or feeling content.

B. Spits up clear mucus: This is a sign that the baby may need to clear their airways or is experiencing mild reflux, but it does not indicate readiness to feed. Spitting up is more related to digestion and respiratory function.

C. Turns the head towards sounds: This is a sign of the newborn's ability to respond to stimuli, but it is not a specific indicator of hunger. Newborns often turn their heads toward sounds or voices as part of their natural reflexes.

D. Attempts to place their hand in their mouth: This is a classic sign of hunger in newborns. They often exhibit this behavior when they are ready to feed as a natural instinct to self-soothe or stimulate feeding reflexes. Other early cues include licking motions, lip smacking, and rooting. Feeding should ideally occur during these early cues rather than waiting until the baby cries, which is a late sign of hunger and can make latching more difficult.