HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 10-13
Postpartum/Maternal/Newborn: Care of the Umbilical Stump __RN
PURPOSE:
To prevent infection of umbilical stump site.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Caregiver should be instructed concerning signs of
infection which should be reported to the physician,
i.e., fever, presence of a foul odor, purulent
discharge, redness or swelling around stump.
2. Expose stump to air as much as possible to
facilitate drying. Shirt should be rolled up above
umbilical stump and diaper folded below umbilical
stump.
3. The umbilical stump is usually separated completely
in 7-10 days, but can take up to 6 weeks.
4. As the umbilical stump separates, brown exudate
may be noted.
5. Sponge baths are to be given until the umbilical
stump has fallen off.
EQUIPMENT:
Alcohol sponge or alcohol and cotton swab
Gloves
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Wipe base of cord or stump site with alcohol sponge
or soaked cotton swabs at each diaper change to
facilitate the drying process.
3. Once stump has fallen off wash umbilical area
gently during normal bath. Dry thoroughly.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Description of umbilical stump site.
b. Treatment provided.
c. Patient's response to treatment.
d. Instructions given to caregiver.
e. Physician notified of any observed signs of cord
infection or concerns
236