What statement indicates that a postpartum client understands how to care for their newborn's umbilical cord?

The statement indicating that a postpartum client understands how to care for their newborn's umbilical cord is the one that highlights the importance of monitoring the umbilical cord for signs of infection. When a parent acknowledges the need to report any drainage from the baby's umbilical cord, it shows an understanding of potential complications that may arise, such as an infection.

Typically, a healthy umbilical cord stump will dry out and eventually fall off on its own, and monitoring for excessive drainage or unusual changes is crucial to ensure the baby's health. Recognizing the signs of infection or abnormality and knowing when to seek help is a critical aspect of newborn care.

In contrast, the other statements do not reflect optimal care practices. For example, cleaning the cord with alcohol is no longer recommended as it can irritate the skin and delay healing. Removing the cord stump prematurely can lead to additional complications and should always be left to heal naturally. Covering the cord with a bandage is also unnecessary and can trap moisture, which may lead to infection.