Which of the following statements, if made by the parents of a newborn, does not indicate a need for further teaching about cord care?
- “I should put alcohol on my baby’s cord 3-4 times a day.”
- “I should put the baby’s diaper on so that it covers the cord.”
- “I should call the physician if the cord becomes dark.”
- “I should wash my hands before and after I take care of the cord.”
Answer(s): D
Explanation:
Parents should be taught to wash their hands before and after providing cord care. This prevents transferring pathogens to and from the cord.
Folding the diaper below the cord exposes the cord to air and allows for drying. It also prevents wet or soiled diapers from coming into contact with the cord.
Current recommendations include cleaning the area around the cord 3-4 times a day with a cotton swab but do not include putting alcohol or other antimicrobials on the cord. It is normal for the cord to turn dark as it dries.
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