A nurse is preparing to bathe a full-term newborn for the first time since birth. Which of the following should the nurse do?
Explanation
• The newborn's vital signs should be stable to prevent complications.
• The newborn's body temperature should be at least 36.5° C (97.7° F), and the sponge bath should be given under a radiant heat source to prevent excessive heat loss.
• Gloves should be worn when assessing or caring for a newborn before the first bath to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Standard Precautions require handwashing before any infant care, but gloves are to be worn if there is
• Medicated soap and scrubbing can irritate the newborn's skin and cause abrasions.
• The nurse does not need to wait until the newborn's first void.