RN Exam Practice
Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 1226 of 2368

The nurse teaches a parent how to remove the scales of cradle cap. Which instruction is correct?

  1. Scrub the scalp firmly with a stiff brush while the scales are still dry.
  2. Apply a prescription steroid cream to the scalp every night for a week.
  3. Apply an emollient such as baby oil overnight and then rub with a soft brush.
  4. Pick the scales off one by one with the fingernails right after a bath.
Show answer

Correct answer: Apply an emollient such as baby oil overnight and then rub with a soft brush.

An emollient softens the scales so they can be loosened with a soft brush.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Other Childhood Disorders: Implementation (Take Action). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026