A newborn’s assessment reveals spina bifida occulta.
Which maternal factor should the nurse identify as having the greatest impact on the development of this newborn complication?

Choice A rationale
Obtaining blood cultures is not the first action to take in this situation. Blood cultures would be used to identify a bloodstream infection, which is not indicated by the client’s current symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Covering the lesion with a dressing is not the appropriate action. Herpes lesions are highly contagious, and covering them does not eliminate the risk of transmission during vaginal delivery.
Choice C rationale
Administering penicillin is not the appropriate action. Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like herpes.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a cesarean section is the correct action. A cesarean section is recommended for women with active genital herpes lesions or prodromal symptoms at the time of labor to prevent transmission of the virus to the newborn during delivery.

The correct answer is **d. Monitor the infant for response to auditory stimuli**.

Choice A rationale:

Drawing an antibiotic trough level within 3 days is not a necessary action after a 14-day antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis in an infant. Trough levels are typically monitored during the course of treatment to ensure appropriate dosing, not after completion of therapy.

Choice B rationale:

Administering antipyretic medication continuously is not recommended after the completion of antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis. Fever is a common symptom during the acute phase of the illness, and the need for antipyretics should decrease as the infection is resolved.

Choice C rationale:

Continuing strict monitoring of daily wet diapers for 1 week is not a necessary action after the completion of antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis. Monitoring fluid intake and output is important during the acute phase of the illness, but not necessarily after the infant has completed the full course of antibiotics.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the infant for response to auditory stimuli is an important action to include when preparing the family for discharge after a 14-day antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis. Hearing loss is a potential complication of bacterial meningitis, and the infant should be evaluated for any hearing impairment before being discharged from the hospital.