BATHING AN INFANT Flashcards
cleanse the eyes of an infant?
Plain water, cotton balls, washcloths
Can you use cotton ball/washcloth to
clean the eyes, nares, or ears of an infant?
No, this is dangerous
Can you use the same cotton
ball/washcloth edge for both eyes?
No, it would cross contaminate
Should you cover an unhealed umbilical
site with the diaper?
No, fold the diaper down
What temperature is appropriate for the
water used to bathe an infant?
100° to 105° F
What is the #1 purpose of a tepid sponge
bath?
Lower body temperature during fever.
How should the temperature of the water
be tested if no thermometer is available?
Dropping water on inside surface of your
forearm.
With which body part do you begin when
bathing an infant?
Eyes, always
When cleansing an infant’s eye, cleanse
from outer to inner canthus?
No, inner to outer.
Should you retract the foreskin of a 5-
week-old male, uncircumcised infant to
cleanse the area?
No, not until foreskin retracts naturally and
without resistance – then it should be
retracted, cleansed, and replaced.
When sponge-bathing with tepid water the
correct temp is ____.
98.6º F
How many days does it take for the
umbilical stump to fall off?
7 to 14
The primary reason why an infant is
draped during the bath is to provide
privacy. (T/F)
False, the primary purpose of draping is to
prevent chilling.
You may use friction to remove vernix
caseosa from an infant’s skin. (T/F)
False, it causes damage/bruising.
What solution is commonly used for care
of the umbilical cord?
70% alcohol to promote drying (trend is
toward soap and water)
