Question

the nurse is preparing discharge instructions for the parents of a newborn who is to be circumcised before discharge. which instruction should the nurse provide?

cover the glans generously with petroleum jelly.
notify the health care provider if it appears red and sore.
soak the penis daily in warm water.
cleanse the glans daily with alcohol.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The question asks for appropriate discharge instructions for parents of a newborn undergoing circumcision. This falls under Immediate Newborn Care.

Evaluate the options

• Cover the glans generously with petroleum jelly: This prevents the healing glans from sticking to the diaper, reducing trauma and pain. This is standard care for conventional clamp circumcisions.
• Notify the health care provider if it appears red and sore: Redness and soreness are normal during the initial healing phase (typically 3 to 5 days).
• Soak the penis daily in warm water: Tub baths and soaking are contraindicated until the circumcision site and umbilical cord have fully healed to prevent infection.
• Cleanse the glans daily with alcohol: Alcohol is irritating, delays healing, and should never be used on a healing circumcision.

Formulate the clinical rationale

Applying petroleum jelly to the glans with each diaper change is the primary intervention to protect the surgical site from friction and sticking.

Answer:

• Cover the glans generously with petroleum jelly. (Correct answer)
• Notify the health care provider if it appears red and sore.
• Soak the penis daily in warm water.
• Cleanse the glans daily with alcohol.