SKILL 3 UMBILICAL CORD CARE

AIM

Provide care to umbilical cord.

Prevent cord infection.
Provide comfort to newborn.

ASSESSMENT

Nurse

Skin intact.
Short nails.
Free from accessories.

Indication

Newborn

Equipment

Identify suitable, adequate and safe equipment.

Environment

Working environment are comfortable and safe:

Adequate and comfortable working space.
Adequate lighting
Switch off the fan

PLANNING

Equipment

Sterile gallipot with cotton swabs (8-9 pieces)

70% alcohol solution.
Clean gloves.
Receiver

1
IMPLEMENTATION

No. Steps Rationale

1. Check nursing care plan. Ensure correct and standard care
is provided.
2. Greet newborn /mother, explain procedure and ask Gain permission, cooperation and
for permission allay fear.
3. Provide privacy.
4. Perform hand rub. Prevent cross-infection
5. Push trolley to baby cot. Facilitate procedure.
6. Perform hand rub. Prevent cross infection
7. Open gallipot and place according to usage.
8. Add cotton ball if necessary.
9. Pour 70% alcohol solution into gallipot. Alcohol minimized microorganism
and encourage the cord to dry.
10. Expose umbilical cord.
11. Perform hand rub Prevent cross-infection.
12. Don gloves.
13. Prepare 8 swabs in the sterile gallipot. Preparation for cord care.
14. Inspect the umbilical cord. Detect abnormality.
15. Hold cord clamp with non-dominant hand. Stabilized the cord.
16. Swab the cord using one swab each time: While still new, the distal end of the
 Distal end of the stump in circular motion. cord is clean than the base of the
 Left side of the stump vertically to base of newborn cord.
stump.
 Right side of the stump vertically to base of
stump.
 Back of the stump vertically to base.
 Front of the stump vertically to base.
 Top of the cord clam in circular motion.
 Bottom of the cord clam in circular motion.
 Base of the stump in circular motion.
17. Expose the stump to room air. Prevent contamination from the
urine.
18. Position the stump towards the upper part of the Prevent cross-infection.
abdomen.
19. Wrap the newborn after procedure. Prevent hypothermia.
20. Place newborn in comfortable position. Promote comfort.
21. Tidy up equipment. Easily access for next procedure.
22. Wash hands. Prevent cross-infection.
23. Document the procedure. Legal requirement.

EVALUATION

Newborn is comfortable.
Condition of umbilical cord:
- Clean
- Signs of infection (pus, redness, and swelling)

2
DOCUMENTATION

Newborn’s reaction to procedure.

Number of artery and vein (2 artery and one vein)
Type of cord, color and bleeding (if any).
Record and report abnormality.
Documentation is necessary to ensure continuity of care