Newborn Nursing Care Q 21

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The home health nurse visits the Cox family 2 weeks after hospital discharge. She observes that the umbilical cord has dried and fallen off. The area appears healed with no drainage or erythema present. The mother can be instructed to:

  

     A. cover the umbilicus with a band-aid.

     B. continue to clean the stump with alcohol for one week.

     C. apply an antibiotic ointment to the stump.

     D. give him a bath in an infant tub now.

    

    

Correct Answer: D. give him a bath in an infant tub now.

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Option D: The baby’s umbilical cord stump dries out and eventually falls off — usually within one to three weeks after birth. After the cord has fallen off, the navel will gradually heal. It’s normal for the center to look red at the point of separation. Sponge baths are recommended for a few more days or tub baths will be fine.

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