Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 6 mo infant who is postoperative following hypospadias repair with a stent placement. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Encourage the infant to engage in vigorous physical activities to promote healing.
B. Clean the genital area with alcohol-based wipes to prevent infection.
C. Remove the stent for bathing and replace it afterward.
D. Apply diaper snugly to avoid any movement of the stent.

Answer 1

The discharge teaching for parents after their infant's hypospadias repair should include avoiding vigorous activity, using mild soap instead of alcohol-based wipes for cleaning, not removing the stent during bathing, and applying the diaper snugly to secure the stent.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching parents about postoperative care for their infant following hypospadias repair with stent placement, a nurse should provide clear and precise instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. One important instruction to include is to avoid vigorous physical activities, which can disrupt the healing process and displace the stent. Instead, it's advisable to keep the infant calm and restrict their movement as much as is practical.

Next, the nurse should advise on hygiene. The genital area should be kept clean, but alcohol-based wipes should not be used as they can be too harsh and irritate the sensitive surgical site. Mild soap and warm water are usually recommended for gentle cleansing. Moreover, the stent should not be removed by the parents for bathing or any other reason unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider, as this could damage the repair or introduce infection.

Last but not least, the nurse should discuss diapering. It is important to apply the diaper snugly, but not too tightly, to help hold the stent in place without causing undue pressure that could lead to discomfort or interfere with healing.