The nurse is caring for a newborn who has undergone PlastiBell circumcision. What is the priority nursing action to minimize the risk for complications?

Explanation

• Complications that can occur after circumcision include hemorrhage, infection, and urethral fistula formation.

• To keep the risk of complications to a minimum, the first priority of the nurse is to monitor the infant for bleeding every 15 minutes for the first hour after the procedure.

• For the first 3 days, parents should be taught how to keep the area clean and covered until the healing is complete. A film of yellowish mucus often covers the glans by the second day after surgery, which is normal. Instruct parents to check the area often for redness, be alert to constant crying that may be due to pain, and monitor for foul odor or fever that may indicate infection.

• It is also important to document when the infant voids after circumcision, but this is secondary.

• Normally, circumcision sites appear red and will be tender, but they should never have a strong odor or discharge.

• Petroleum jelly should not be applied after circumcision when a PlastiBell is used.

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