A nurse is planning discharge needs to a family whose baby has just been born. Which statement is the most accurate regarding care of the umbilical cord?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Swabbing the umbilical cord with alcohol or water daily until it falls off is the recommended care to prevent infection. Alcohol helps dry out the cord stump, promoting faster healing. - A: Washing the newborn every day in water can introduce bacteria and moisture to the cord, increasing infection risk. - B: Using soap on the umbilical cord can irritate the skin and delay healing. - C: It's normal for the umbilical cord to fall off within 1-2 weeks, so there's no need to notify the practitioner unless there are signs of infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypovolemia related to insufficient fluid intake. In a newborn, the inability to void within 24 hours after birth can indicate dehydration and hypovolemia due to insufficient fluid intake. Newborns need to pass urine within the first 24 hours of life to show adequate hydration. Altered growth and development (choice B) is not relevant to the immediate concern of no voiding. Altered nutrition (choice C) is unlikely to cause the absence of urine output. Constipation (choice D) is less likely in a newborn and is not the primary concern when a newborn fails to void.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct method is C because newborns have delicate blood vessels in their feet, making it easier to obtain a blood sample. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Warm the foot to increase blood flow. 2. Clean with an alcohol pad to prevent infection. 3. Puncture the side of the heel as it has a good blood supply and less painful. Other choices are incorrect: A is invasive and not suitable for newborns. B is not recommended as thumb samples may be inaccurate. D does not specify the heel's side, which is crucial for newborns' safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because jaundice in newborns is often due to increased bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells and can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes. The RN suggests laboratory work to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. Choice A is incorrect as kernicterus is a serious condition resulting from untreated severe jaundice, not a likely immediate concern without confirming the diagnosis first. Choice B is incorrect because while a newborn's liver is indeed immature, jaundice still needs to be monitored and managed appropriately. Choice D is incorrect as prematurity does increase the risk of jaundice, but it doesn't explain why the baby's eyes are yellow.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, a newborn with a new circumcision, as this procedure involves an incision, making the baby more susceptible to skin infections. Circumcision wounds need proper care to prevent infection. Choice A is incorrect because scabs forming over heels where blood has been drawn do not necessarily indicate a higher risk of skin infection. Choice C, a newborn with jaundice, is incorrect as jaundice affects the liver and does not directly increase the risk of skin infection. Choice D, a newborn with milia, is incorrect because milia are harmless and do not increase the risk of skin infection.