Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What instruction should a nurse include for the parents of a 6-month-old infant post-hypospadias repair?

1. Bathing the infant in a bathtub is allowed when home.

2. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the infant's penis daily.

3. Clamp the infant's stent twice daily.

4. Allow the stent to drain directly into the infant's diaper.

The correct answer is: Allow the stent to drain directly into the infant's diaper.

The correct instruction for the parents of a 6-month-old infant post-hypospadias repair is to allow the stent to drain directly into the infant's diaper. This approach ensures that the urine flows away from the surgical site, which is important for promoting healing and preventing irritation or infection. Additionally, it simplifies the care process for the parents as they will not need to manage any additional apparatus or risk dislodging the stent. It’s crucial for caregivers to monitor the stent's position and the amount of drainage to ensure there are no complications such as blockage or infection. This allows parents to provide both comfort and stability for their infant during the healing process. Other options are not suitable for post-surgery care. Bathing in a bathtub too soon can lead to water exposure that may disrupt healing, while the use of hydrocortisone cream is not recommended unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider, as it may interfere with the surgical site. Clamping the infant's stent is unnecessary and could cause discomfort or complications by increasing pressure in the urinary system. Hence, allowing the stent to drain directly into the diaper is a safe and effective instruction for parents.