Question

The nurse is providing home care instructions to the parents of an infant who had a surgical repair of an inguinal hernia. What instruction should the nurse include to prevent infection at the surgical site?

a) Apply antibiotic ointment daily
b) Keep the diaper area dry and clean
c) Use sterile dressings over the incision
d) Avoid bathing the infant for a week

Answer 1

The nurse should include the instruction to keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent infection at the surgical site.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the instruction to keep the diaper area dry and clean to prevent infection at the surgical site. Keeping the area clean and dry helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces the risk of infection. The use of antibiotic ointment may not be necessary unless specifically prescribed by the doctor for a particular reason, as overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Using sterile dressings over the incision may not be necessary unless directed by the healthcare provider, as long as the diaper area is kept clean and dry. Lastly, avoiding bathing the infant for a week is not necessary, as long as the surgical site is kept clean and the diaper area is properly cared for.