A 3-week-old patient is hospitalized for surgical repair of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. On the third postoperative day, the mother expresses concern that her infant vomited approximately one-fourth of his feeding. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate at this time?

Choice A rationale:

While educating caregivers on sensory impairment is important for an infant with myelomeningocele, preventing infection takes precedence as the priority nursing intervention.

Choice B rationale:

The correct answer. Preventing infection at the site of the myelomeningocele is crucial to avoid potentially life-threatening complications, such as meningitis. The exposed neural tissue poses a significant infection risk.

Choice C rationale:

Correcting joint contractures is important but is a secondary concern compared to preventing infection, which can have more immediate and severe consequences.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring daily head circumference is important to monitor for hydrocephalus in these infants, but preventing infection remains the higher priority.

Choice A rationale:

The statement about an increased risk for developing obesity is accurate. However, this does not indicate a need for further education about Down syndrome, as obesity is a common concern in the general population as well.

Choice B rationale:

The statement about an increased risk for developing diabetes would indicate a need for further education. Individuals with Down syndrome are indeed at an elevated risk of developing diabetes, often in their early adulthood.

Choice C rationale:

The statement about an increased risk for developing cataracts is accurate. However, it is not a primary concern associated with Down syndrome in infancy.

Choice D rationale:

The statement about skeletal abnormalities is accurate. While individuals with Down syndrome can have certain skeletal features, this is not a critical concern during infancy.