DRESSING OF THE UMBILICAL CORD

REQUIREMENTS #

1. Tray containing the following:
   1. Chlorhexidine gel/methylated spirit
   2. Sterile cotton wool swab
   3. Sterile gallipot
   4. Sterile gloves
   5. Receiver for used swabs
   6. Cord clamp or ligature
   7. Baby dress and diaper
   8. Cot sheet
   9. Wet wipes

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport (refer steps)
2. Explains procedure to client (Refer steps)
3. Set a tray and assemble all items to be used
4. Prepare conducive area (close nearby windows and prepare well-padded flat surface)
5. Maintain infection prevention and control practice throughout the procedure
6. Put baby on examination table, wrapped up and protected by mother/assistant
7. Put on plastic apron and perform hand hygiene
8. Wear sterile examination gloves
9. Expose cord and inspect of bleeding, swelling and redness of the skin around the cord
10. Re-ligate/clamp cord if necessary
11. Hold stem of cord with one cotton wool swab soaked in spirit OR dry cotton wool swab when using chlorhexidine gel
12. Swab skin 5cm away and around base of cord when using spirit OR apply gel from tip
13. Swab stem from base upwards using a swab for each stroke till cord is cleaned or ensure gel spreads around the cord
14. Swab the tip of the cord (with spirit) and leave cord exposed on top of the diaper/napkin in both cases
15. Remove the gloves and perform hand hygiene
16. Dress baby (napkin/diaper folded below umbilicus)
17. Educate mother on how to manage, what to expect and when to seek at the hospital when she sees signs of infection
18. Give baby to mother and express appreciation for her cooperation
19. Communicate findings to mother
20. Disposed off and decontaminate used items
21. Perform hand hygiene
22. Record into Maternal and Child Health Record Book (Manual and Electronic)
23. Record and report findings to the officer in-charge