Newborn Circumcision Care: Tips for Parents
How should a nurse instruct a parent of a newborn about circumcision care?
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
a. Wash the site with soap and warm water once daily
b. Gently remove the yellow exudate that forms around the site
c. Avoid using diaper wipes on the site during diaper changes
d. Apply the diaper tightly to apply pressure
Answer:
A nurse should instruct a parent to take care of a circumcised newborn by avoiding using diaper wipes on the site, not removing the yellow exudate, and not applying the diaper too tightly. They should also encourage the parent to gently clean the site with warm water once daily, and to monitor for signs of infection.
When a nurse is teaching a parent about newborn circumcision care, there are certain key instructions that they should include. Firstly, it is crucial to keep the site clean without causing irritation. Therefore, the parent should avoid using diaper wipes on the site during diaper changes, as they may irritate the wound.
Rather than using wipes, the nurse should instruct the parent to gently clean the site with warm water once daily, without soap. It is also important that the parent does not attempt to remove the yellow exudate that forms around the site, as this is part of the natural healing process. The removal of this exudate might interfere with healing and cause unnecessary irritation or infection risk.
Finally, when applying a new diaper, the nurse should instruct the parent not to apply it too tightly. Too much pressure can cause pain and hinder the circulation needed for healing. Overall, the parent should carefully observe the circumcision site, ensure gentle care and hygienic practices, and report any signs of infection, like abnormal redness, swelling, or pus to the healthcare provider.