When changing a diaper,the nurse observes that a 2-day-old infant has passed a green-black,tarry stool.What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should do nothing; this is normal.During the first few days of life,a term newborn passes green-black,tarry stools known as meconium.Stools transition to a yellow-green color over the next few days.After that,the appearance of stools depends on the feedings the newborn receives.Sterile water does nothing to alter this progression.Meconium stools are more irritating to the buttocks than other stools because they are so sticky and the skin usually must be rubbed to cleanse it.

When Changing a Diaper,the Nurse Observes That a 2-Day-Old Infant