Why should the foreskin of a newborn who is not circumcised not be retracted, as explained by the nurse?

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The foreskin of a newborn who is not circumcised should not be retracted because doing so can lead to adhesions. In newborns, the foreskin is typically not fully retractable due to natural adherence to the glans (the head of the penis). If the foreskin is forcibly retracted before it is ready, it can cause the skin to separate inappropriately, leading to potential adhesions between the foreskin and the glans. This can create complications and discomfort for the infant, which is why gentle handling and leaving the foreskin in its natural position until it can retract naturally are emphasized in newborn care.

While the other options address concerns that can arise from mishandling, the specific reason for not retracting the foreskin relates directly to the development of adhesions and the associated risks of complications that can arise from improper handling.

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