What is the key observation the nurse should make before discharging a newborn who has undergone circumcision?

Before discharging a newborn who has undergone circumcision, it is critical to ensure that the baby can urinate normally without pain. This observation is vital because the surgical procedure can lead to temporary discomfort, and identifying any issues with urination can indicate complications, such as swelling, infection, or bleeding at the circumcision site. If the infant experiences difficulty or pain while urinating, it may necessitate further evaluation and intervention before discharge to prevent any potential health risks.

While ensuring the baby is feeding well and assessing the infant's weight are also important aspects of overall care for a newborn, they do not directly address the specific surgical site and its healing process. Checking for abnormal bleeding is a crucial observation as well; however, the ability to urinate without pain is a more comprehensive indication of the infant’s immediate postoperative well-being and functional healing, making it a key factor before discharge.