A nurse is assessing a 2-week-old newborn. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Perform clean intermittent catheterization every 8 hours is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require catheterization. The nurse should assess the infant’s bladder function and teach the guardian how to perform catheterization if needed.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate the passage of stool twice per day is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require rectal stimulation. The nurse should assess the infant’s bowel function and teach the guardian how to manage constipation or fecal incontinence if needed.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Anticipate gradual loss of function in the lower extremities is a possible outcome for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, depending on the location and severity of the defect. However, the nurse should not assume that the infant will lose function in the lower extremities. The nurse should monitor the infant’s motor and sensory development and provide appropriate interventions to promote mobility and prevent complications.

Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Check toys and pacifiers for the presence of latex is an important precaution for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, as they are at risk of developing latex allergy due to repeated exposure to latex products during surgery and medical procedures. The nurse should teach the guardian how to identify and avoid latex-containing items and how to recognize and treat signs of allergic reaction.

Choice A reason: Using a bulb syringe to suction the nares is a common practice for clearing nasal passages in infants, but it is not the primary concern for an infant with a tracheostomy, which requires specific care to maintain airway patency.

Choice B reason: Providing antibiotic therapy may be necessary if there is an infection, but it is not a standard care action for a tracheostomy without evidence of infection.

Choice C reason: Administering intermittent suction via the tracheostomy is essential to clear secretions and maintain airway patency, which is the greatest risk for an infant with a tracheostomy.

Choice D reason: Placing an infant in a prone position to sleep is not recommended due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep.