getting mixed info on umbilical cord care! Help!

jjjoy, LPN · Oct 22, 2010

I can't tell you what the absolute latest practice recommendations are on that, nor how up-to-date the N-CLEX will be. However, when looking at the sample question, were there perhaps any other problems with the alternate answers, such as "vigorously scrub"? Sometimes, the key to choosing the correct answer on the test is less about what is the exact latest practice and more about carefully reading the question and ruling out the worst options, even if the the "best" option may not be ideal.

nicenrse · Oct 22, 2010

Thanks jjjoy, the answer options were to wash with mild soap and water, or to rub with alcohol, and then 2 other ridiculous options that were obviously incorrect.

jjjoy, LPN · Oct 23, 2010

Oh well! Maybe just accept that some NCLEX questions will be impossible to definitely get right and move on? Frustrating as it is, sometimes resources do contradict each other. It's not hopeless, though. Have faith that there'll be enough other questions that you *can* get right to pass the test. So keep studying!

It's unlikely that your test will have the exact same question about alcohol vs. mild soap and water, but it may have some other question about newborn care. Use the question you have about umbilical care to direct your attention to general newborn care and make it an opportunity to review notes/sections on newborn nursing care.

Just a suggestion! You seem studious and motivated and that'll take you far!

nicenrse · Oct 23, 2010

Thank you sooo much!!! WILL DO!!!!

rn/writer, RN · Oct 23, 2010

IRL we don't use alcohol anymore. Actually, we pretty much leave the cord alone. Alcohol was found to dry the cord and make it hard. And that sometimes made it stay on longer.

Of the two answers you mentioned, I'd go with the mild soap and water, even though we don't recommend washing it with anything.

rn/writer, RN · Oct 23, 2010

Just out of curiosity, what were the two ridiculous choices?