A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a postpartum client about bathing her newborn. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Answer: D Rationale: A) "Wash your newborn's head under a stream of running water": Washing the newborn's head under a stream of running water is not safe due to the risk of startling the baby or causing discomfort. Instead, the head should be gently washed using a damp cloth or sponge. B) "Bathe your newborn within 30 minutes after a feeding": Bathing a newborn within 30 minutes after feeding is not advisable as it may cause discomfort or spitting up due to the baby's full stomach. It is better to wait for some time after feeding before bathing the baby. C) "Start the bath by washing the newborn's diaper area first": Starting the bath by washing the newborn's diaper area first is not recommended. The face and head should be washed first to avoid spreading bacteria from the diaper area to other parts of the body. D) "The bath water should be 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit": This is the correct temperature range for a newborn's bath water. It is essential to ensure that the water is warm enough to be comfortable but not too hot, to avoid burns or discomfort. The temperature should be checked with a thermometer or the elbow to ensure it is safe for the baby.