A nurse is reinforcing teaching about umbilical cord care with a client who is postpartum.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A.
Cleanse the area around the cord with baby oil each day.
B.
Do not immerse the newborn’s abdomen in water until the cord is dry.
C.
The stump should fall off in 10 to 14 days.
D.
Protect the cord by covering it with the newborn’s diaper.
The umbilical cord b. The stump should fall off in 10 to 14 days.
The umbilical cord is a crucial structure that connects the developing fetus to the placenta, carrying essential nutrients and oxygen. After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump.
This stump will generally go through a process of drying out, shriveling, and eventually falling off, usually within 10 to 14 days. It’s important to follow proper care instructions to prevent infection and promote healing.
Keep the diaper folded down below the cord: This helps to keep the area dry and free from irritation.Do not use baby oil, alcohol, or other substances on the cord: These can irritate the skin and delay drying.