Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What instruction should be included during discharge teaching for the guardians of a 6-month-old infant after surgery for hypospadias?

1. Wait 1 week before giving the infant a tub bath.

2. Apply antifungal ointment to the infant's penis.

3. Avoid giving the infant fruit juice.

4. Apply dry gauze dressing to the infant's penis twice daily.

The correct answer is: Wait 1 week before giving the infant a tub bath.

Waiting one week before giving the infant a tub bath is appropriate discharge teaching for the guardians of a 6-month-old infant after surgery for hypospadias. After such a surgical procedure, it is essential to maintain cleanliness while minimizing the risk of infection and allowing the surgical site to heal properly. Tub baths could expose the surgical site to water and potential contaminants, which might lead to complications or infection. Hence, the guidance to wait before resuming tub baths ensures that optimal healing conditions are maintained. In contrast, applying antifungal ointment to the infant's penis or putting dressings on the penis could be inappropriate if they are not specifically part of the postoperative instructions from the healthcare provider. While avoiding fruit juice might be generally good advice for infants under one year due to potential digestive issues, it does not directly relate to post-operative care. Thus, focusing on bathing restrictions aligns closely with safeguarding the surgical area’s integrity after the procedure.