What is the primary nursing intervention for managing an umbilical hernia in a term infant?

Monitoring for complications is indeed the primary nursing intervention for managing an umbilical hernia in a term infant. Umbilical hernias are relatively common in newborns and often resolve spontaneously by the age of 1 to 2 years. Therefore, immediate surgical intervention is typically unnecessary unless the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated, which is when it becomes a medical emergency.

By focusing on monitoring, nurses can assess any changes or complications that may develop, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness around the hernia site, which would indicate a need for further medical evaluation. This careful observation allows for timely intervention if complications arise, while also providing reassurance to parents that the condition is commonly benign and manageable.

Engaging parents in understanding the nature of the hernia and potential risks is certainly important, but the priority is monitoring the infant's condition to ensure there are no urgent issues that require immediate intervention. Placing a bandage over the hernia is generally not a recommended practice, as it does not resolve the hernia and may cause discomfort. Thus, the emphasis remains on vigilant monitoring to ensure the infant's well-being.