Question

A mother asks the nurse which powder she should purchase to use on the baby's

skin. What should the nurse's response be?
1. "Any powder made especially for babies should be fine."
2. "It is recommended that powder not be put on babies."
3. "There is no real difference except that many babies are allergic to cornstarch so
it should not be used."
4. "As long as you only put it on the buttocks area... you can use any brand of baby
powder that you like.

Answer 1

The nurse should recommend against the use of powder on babies due to the risk of inhalation and potential harm to the infant's respiratory system. Maintaining clean and dry skin is typically adequate for baby hygiene.

Step-by-step explanation:

Responding to the question, the correct advice from a nurse concerning the use of powder on a baby's skin should be option 2: "It is recommended that powder not be put on babies." This is due to the potential risk of inhalation, which can lead to respiratory problems, and because some powders contain small particles that can be harmful if inhaled. Instead, keeping the baby's skin clean and dry is generally sufficient for good hygiene. If a parent is concerned about diaper rash, they should consult with the child's paediatrician for recommended products that are safe for use on sensitive baby skin.