A nurse is teaching a newborn's parent how to care for the umbilical cord stump. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Apply petroleum jelly to the cord stump.
Give a sponge bath until the cord stump falls off.
Cover the cord with the diaper.
Wash the cord daily with mild soap and water.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Applying petroleum jelly to the umbilical cord stump is not recommended. The goal is to keep the stump dry to encourage the healing process. Petroleum jelly is a moisture barrier and could potentially keep the area too moist, which may delay the drying and falling off of the stump.
Choice B reason:
Giving sponge baths until the cord stump falls off is the correct practice. It is important to keep the stump dry, so sponge baths are preferred over tub baths during this time. This helps prevent the stump from staying wet, which can lead to infection or delayed healing.
Choice C reason:
It is not advised to cover the cord with the diaper. Instead, the diaper should be folded down away from the stump or use diapers with a special cut-out to keep the stump exposed to air. This helps the stump to dry and fall off more quickly.
Choice D reason:
Washing the cord daily with mild soap and water is not necessary and could be counterproductive. The stump should be kept dry, and if it gets dirty, it can be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth and then dried thoroughly. Regular bathing can introduce moisture, which may increase the risk of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
An irregular fetal heart rate is not typically associated with a hydatidiform mole because, in many cases of complete molar pregnancy, there is no fetus, and thus no fetal heart rate to assess. In partial molar pregnancies, there may be a fetus with an irregular heart rate, but this is not a definitive sign of a hydatidiform mole.
Choice b reason:
Profuse, clear vaginal discharge is not a common finding in hydatidiform mole. The typical vaginal discharge associated with a molar pregnancy is often described as "grape-like" or "prune juice-like" due to the presence of molar tissue being passed.
Choice c reason:
A rapid decline in hCG levels is not expected in hydatidiform mole; in fact, unusually high levels of hCG are more characteristic of this condition. The abnormal placental tissue in a molar pregnancy tends to produce higher than normal amounts of hCG.
Choice d reason:
Excessive uterine enlargement is a key finding in hydatidiform mole. The uterus often becomes larger than expected for the gestational age because the abnormal placental tissue grows rapidly and takes up more space within the uterus. This can happen within 10 to 16 weeks of gestation and is one of the primary clinical signs that lead to the suspicion of a molar pregnancy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Limiting alcohol consumption is important during pregnancy to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome and other developmental issues, but it is not specifically related to the prevention of neural tube defects. Alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, but folic acid intake is the key factor in preventing neural tube defects.
Choice b reason:
Avoiding foods containing aspartame is often recommended for overall health, but there is no direct link between aspartame and neural tube defects. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many diet foods and beverages, and while some people choose to avoid it for various health reasons, it is not specifically associated with neural tube defects.
Choice c reason:
Increasing the intake of iron-rich foods is crucial for preventing anemia during pregnancy and ensuring the baby has enough iron stores. However, iron does not play a direct role in the prevention of neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are related to folic acid, not iron.
Choice d reason:
Consuming foods fortified with folic acid is the most critical factor in preventing neural tube defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the proper development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
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