72. A nurse is teaching basic infant care to a group of first-time parents before their discharge from a hospital. A client asks about the proper method of bathing her infant. The nurse should explain that a sponge bath is recommended during the first 2 weeks of life because:
. New parents need time to learn how to hold the baby.
. The umbilical cord needs time to separate.
. Newborn skin is easily traumatized by washing.
. The chance of chilling the baby outweighs the benefits of bathing.
Test-Taking Tip
The question is asking about what significant event that happens during the first 2 weeks of life would be affected by exposure to water . . . . cord separating!
Content Area: Child Health, Newborn; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Comprehension; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although new parents do need time to learn how to hold the baby, this is not a reason for delaying the tub bath. Answer 2 is correct because the cord needs to dry and fall off before immersing a newborn in a tub bath. There is a higher risk of infection and delayed cord separation if the newborn is given a tub bath while the cord is still attached. Answer 3 is incorrect because newborn skin in a full-term infant is very resistant to trauma caused by proper washing technique. Answer 4 is incorrect because, once the neonate's temperature has stabilized, giving a sponge bath will not cause unnecessary chilling.