A nurse is preparing to clamp and cut a newborn’s umbilical cord with sterile instruments.
When should the nurse perform this procedure?
Within 1 to 3 minutes after birth
Within 5 to 10 minutes after birth
Within 15 to 20 minutes after birth
Within 30 to 45 minutes after birth
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should clamp and cut the newborn’s umbilical cord within 1 to 3 minutes after birth. This is because delaying the cord clamping for longer than 3 minutes may increase the risk of jaundice in the baby.
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver, but in newborns, the liver may not be fully developed yet.
Choice B is wrong because waiting for 5 to 10 minutes after birth to clamp and cut the cord may not have any significant benefits for the baby compared to clamping within 1 to 3 minutes. Choice C is wrong because waiting for 15 to 20 seconds after birth to clamp and cut the cord is too early and may deprive the baby of some blood, oxygen, and nutrients that are still flowing from the placenta. Choice D is wrong because waiting for 30 to 45 minutes after birth to clamp and cut the cord is too late and may expose the baby to infection or bleeding from the cord.
The umbilical cord is a vital connection between the baby and the placenta during pregnancy and delivery.
It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood.
After birth, the cord continues to function for a few minutes until it stops pulsing. The optimal time to clamp and cut the cord depends on various factors, such as the baby’s gestational age, health condition, and risk of jaundice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Three.The normal number of vessels in the umbilical cord is three: one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries.The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus, while the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta.
Choice A is wrong because one vessel in the umbilical cord is not enough to support the fetal circulation.Choice B is wrong because two vessels in the umbilical cord is a condition called two-vessel cord or single umbilical artery, which can be associated with some birth defects or growth problems.Choice D is wrong because four vessels in the umbilical cord is not a normal variation and can cause complications such as cord prolapse or knotting.The normal range of the umbilical cord length is 50-60 cm and the diameter is 1-2 cm.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B and C.The nurse should instruct the new mother to keep the cord stump above the diaper level to prevent irritation and infectionand to change the diapers frequently and check for signs of wetness or soiling around the cord stump.
Choice A is wrong because applying antiseptic solution to the cord stump is not necessary and may delay healing.The stump should be kept dry and clean with gauze and water only.
Choice D is wrong because giving the baby tub baths with mild soap and water may cause the cord stump to get wet and increase the risk of infection.The baby should be given sponge baths until the cord stump falls off.
Choice E is correct but not part of the question.The nurse should tell the mother to report any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, foul odor, or purulent drainage to the health care provider, but this is not an instruction on how to care for the cord stump at home.
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