Study note
PediatricsNewborn Care

Standard precautions and the five cleans at birth

THE CONTEXT
Delivery personnel should use standard precautions in every delivery and maintain asepsis to prevent neonatal sepsis.

Standard precautions

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Treat all fluids from the mother and newborn as potentially infectious.
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Wear gloves, masks, and gowns when resuscitating a newborn.
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Wear protective eyewear or a face shield during procedures likely to generate droplets of blood or other body fluids.

Five cleans

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Clean hands: perform hand hygiene and wear sterile gloves.
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Clean surface: use a clean, sterile towel to dry and cover the neonate.
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Clean blade: cut the umbilical cord with a clean, sterile blade or scissors.
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Clean tie: clamp or tie the cord with a clean, sterile clamp or tie.
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Apply nothing to the cord and keep it dry.
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