Growth and Development Q 1
The nurse is caring for the mother of a newborn. The nurse recognizes that the mother needs more teaching regarding cord care because she
A. Keeps the cord exposed to the air
B. Washes her hands before sponge bathing her baby
C. Washes the cord and surrounding area well with water at each diaper change
D. Checks it daily for bleeding and drainage
Correct Answer: C. Washes the cord and surrounding area well with water at each diaper change.
Washing the surrounding area is fine but wetting the umbilical cord predisposes it to infection. The cord is kept dry and it will eventually fall off within one to three weeks after birth. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Researchers now say this might kill bacteria that can help the cord dry and separate.
Option A: Exposure to air helps dry the cord. Expose the stump to air to help dry out the base. Keep the front of the baby’s diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump.
Option B: Good hand washing is the prime mechanism for preventing infection. While there’s no harm in getting the stump wet, sponge baths might make it easier to keep the stump dry.
Option D: It is important to check for complications of bleeding and drainage that might occur. Contact the baby’s doctor if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump. These could be signs of an umbilical cord infection.