True or false: The umbilical cord stump dries, shrinks, and turns black over time.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It turns red instead
• D. Only if infected

Answer: (A)

The statement is true. After birth, the umbilical cord stump undergoes a natural process of drying and shrinking. Initially, the stump appears moist, but as it dries out over time, it begins to shrink in size and ultimately turns black. This color change occurs due to tissue necrosis as the cord separates from the body of the newborn. This process is a normal part of healing and typically takes about one to three weeks before the stump falls off completely.

In the context of the other options, it is important to note that a healthy umbilical stump will not turn red unless there is an infection or other complication. Therefore, the natural progression of drying, shrinking, and darkening is a standard aspect of umbilical cord care in newborns.