A newborn's mother asks why the baby passes dark, sticky stool during the first day. Which response is correct?

Correct answer: A. This is meconium, the normal first stool of a newborn

  • A. This is meconium, the normal first stool of a newborn
  • B. This is a sign of intestinal bleeding in every newborn
  • C. This indicates that the newborn has developed diarrhoea
  • D. This shows that breast milk is causing intestinal irritation

Explanation

Meconium is a dark greenish-black, sticky stool formed before birth and normally passed during the first days of life. It is not the same as diarrhoea or gastrointestinal bleeding. Persistent failure to pass meconium should be assessed for possible bowel obstruction.

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Neonatal nursing covers the newborn’s transition to extrauterine life, Apgar assessment, thermoregulation, breastfeeding, cord care, routine examination and prevention of infection. It also includes care of premature or low-birth-weight infants, neonatal jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory problems and danger signs requiring urgent referral.

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