A nurse is caring for an infant who has spina bifida. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the infant in prone position.
Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth.
Feed the infant through an NG tube.
Diapering over a low defect will keep the infant free from infection
The Correct Answer is D
A. Place the infant in prone position.
This option is incorrect. Placing the infant in the prone position (lying on the stomach) could put pressure on the spinal lesion, potentially causing discomfort or complications. It's important to minimize pressure on the affected area in infants with spina bifida.
B. Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth.
This option is incorrect. While keeping the lesion clean and dry is important for preventing infection, simply covering it with a dry cloth may not provide adequate protection. Proper wound care techniques, such as using sterile dressings and cleaning the area with prescribed solutions, are typically necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
C. Feed the infant through an NG tube.
This option is incorrect. While infants with severe forms of spina bifida may have difficulty feeding due to associated complications, such as difficulty swallowing or weak sucking reflexes, feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube is not a standard intervention for spina bifida itself. Feeding methods would depend on the specific needs and abilities of the infant, and may involve breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or other methods under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
D. Diapering over a low defect will keep the infant free from infection.
This option is correct. Diapering over a low defect (the opening in the spine caused by spina bifida) helps to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. By properly covering the defect with a diaper, exposure to urine and feces, which can increase the risk of infection, is minimized. Additionally, regular diaper changes and proper hygiene practices are essential for preventing complications in infants with spina bifida.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Machine-like murmur.
This option is correct. A characteristic clinical manifestation of a large patent ductus arteriosus is a continuous "machine-like" murmur heard on auscultation. This murmur is typically heard best at the upper left sternal border and may radiate to the back.
B. Chronic hypoxemia.
Chronic hypoxemia is not typically a primary manifestation of a large PDA. While PDA can lead to increased pulmonary blood flow and potentially contribute to pulmonary congestion, chronic hypoxemia may not be a prominent feature unless complications such as heart failure develop.
C. Cyanosis with crying.
Cyanosis with crying is more commonly associated with cyanotic congenital heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot. While PDA can contribute to cyanosis in certain circumstances, it is not typically a consistent clinical manifestation.
D. Weak pulse.
A weak pulse is not typically associated specifically with a large PDA. Infants with PDA may have bounding pulses due to increased blood flow through the ductus arteriosus.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today