A nurse is caring for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele and is admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) to await surgery. Which of the following nursing goals is priority in the care of this infant?
Promote maternal-infant bonding
Provide age-appropriate stimulation.
Educate the parents about the defect.
Maintain integrity of the sac.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Promote maternal-infant bonding: While promoting maternal-infant bonding is essential for the overall well-being of the newborn and family, it may not be the priority in this situation. The immediate focus is on medical management and preventing complications associated with the myelomeningocele.
B. Provide age-appropriate stimulation: Age-appropriate stimulation is important for newborn development, but in the case of a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery, the priority is to minimize any potential risk of injury or infection to the exposed neural tissue.
C. Educate the parents about the defect: Education about the myelomeningocele and its long-term implications is crucial for the parents' understanding and ability to care for their child. However, while important, this may not be the priority at the immediate moment.
D. Maintain integrity of the sac: This is the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Measures such as keeping the sac moist with sterile saline dressings and preventing trauma to the area are essential to maintain its integrity.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Coloring book with crayons:
Coloring activities with crayons are typically more suitable for older children who have developed fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. At 10 months old, infants are still in the early stages of motor development and may not have the dexterity to hold and manipulate crayons effectively. Additionally, infants at this age are more likely to put objects in their mouths, which poses a choking hazard with crayons.
B. Large-piece puzzles:
Puzzles with large pieces can be beneficial for older children's cognitive development by promoting problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. However, at 10 months old, infants are still developing their motor skills and may not have the ability to manipulate puzzle pieces effectively. Puzzles with small pieces can also pose a choking hazard for infants.
C. Crib gym:
A crib gym is a suitable toy for a 10-month-old infant as it provides opportunities for visual stimulation, reaching, grasping, and hand-eye coordination development. Crib gyms typically consist of hanging toys or objects that the infant can bat at or grasp while lying in their crib or playpen. This type of toy encourages exploration and interaction while ensuring safety within the confines of the crib.
D. Put-in take-out toy:
Put-in take-out toys involve placing objects into a container and then removing them, which can be engaging for infants. However, while this type of toy may provide some entertainment for a 10-month-old, it may not offer as much visual and tactile stimulation as a crib gym. Additionally, some put-in take-out toys may have smaller parts that pose a choking hazard for infants, so careful supervision is necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your child's diet should be high in carbohydrates & proteins with no restriction of fats."
This statement is not entirely accurate. While it's true that children with cystic fibrosis often require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support growth and weight gain, there is typically a need to restrict fat intake. Pancreatic insufficiency, which is common in cystic fibrosis, can lead to malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, a dietitian may recommend enzyme replacement therapy and a diet that is moderate in fat but high in calories and protein.
B. "Limit your child's intake of sodium to avoid complications."
This statement is not accurate. Cystic fibrosis can lead to excessive loss of salt in sweat, which can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, limiting sodium intake can cause electrolyte disturbances.
C. "A pigeon-shaped chest might become evident as the disease progresses."
This statement is accurate. Cystic fibrosis can cause chronic lung infections and inflammation, leading to structural changes in the chest over time. One common manifestation is a barrel-shaped or "pigeon-shaped" chest, which can occur as the disease progresses. This may result from hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping and chronic respiratory compromise.
D. "Administer a bronchodilator to the child after chest percussion therapy."
This statement is not necessarily accurate or applicable to all cases. Bronchodilators are medications used to help relax and open the airways in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While bronchodilators may be part of the treatment regimen for some individuals with cystic fibrosis, their use after chest percussion therapy would depend on the individual's specific respiratory symptoms and treatment plan. It's important for the parents to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication administration.

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