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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Stimulating the infant to cry is an important action as it helps ensure that the baby's lungs are clear of fluid and are functioning properly. However, this is not the first action to take. The initial cry will often occur naturally as part of the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.
Choice B reason:
Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action. Immediately after birth, it is crucial to ensure that the newborn's airway is clear to facilitate breathing. The nurse may suction the mouth and nose to remove any amniotic fluid, mucus, or other obstructions that could impede breathing.
Choice C reason:
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, which newborns are particularly susceptible to due to their large surface area relative to body mass. However, this follows the clearance of the airway, as maintaining an open airway is the most critical initial step in newborn care.
Choice D reason:
Cutting the umbilical cord is a necessary step in the delivery process, but it is not the first action to take when caring for the newborn. The timing of cord clamping can vary, and immediate care focuses on ensuring the newborn's ability to breathe effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Elevating the client's legs can help increase venous return to the heart and may be beneficial in some cases of hypotension. However, it is not the first-line action for hypotension in a client with an epidural block during labor.
Choice B reason:
Notifying the provider is important, but it is not the immediate priority action. The provider should be informed after initial measures to stabilize the client's blood pressure have been taken.
Choice C reason:
Placing the client in a lateral position is the priority nursing action for hypotension during labor with an epidural block. This position helps improve uterine blood flow and can help increase blood pressure. It is a part of the initial management of hypotension in this situation.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important part of ongoing assessment but is not the immediate priority action. The nurse should first address the hypotension and then continue to monitor the client closely.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today