A nurse is formulating a care plan for an infant diagnosed with spina bifida who is scheduled for a surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac.

Which of the following interventions should be incorporated into the care plan?

Step 1 is: Calculate the Apgar score based on the given vital signs. The Apgar score is calculated based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.

Step 2 is: Assign points for each criterion. For heart rate of 160 bpm, assign 2 points. For good, vigorous respiratory effort, assign 2 points. For active movement and well-flexed muscle tone, assign 2 points. For crying with stimulation of soles of feet (reflex irritability), assign 2 points. For body pink but feet and hands cyanotic (color), assign 1 point.

Step 3 is: Add up the points. 2 (heart rate) + 2 (respiratory effort) + 2 (muscle tone) + 2 (reflex irritability) + 1 (color) = 9 points. So, the correct Apgar score for this newborn is 9.

Choice A rationale
The nurse should be concerned about a client with an 18kg (4 lb) weight gain in her first trimester. This is because the expected weight gain for a client in the first trimester is usually around 1.8 kg (4 lb)1. A weight gain of 18 kg in the first trimester significantly exceeds this expectation, which could indicate a potential health issue such as gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies. It’s important for the nurse to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice B rationale
A client with a 68 kg (15 lb) weight gain in her second trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during pregnancy varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, the baby’s growth rate, and the mother’s diet and lifestyle. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice C rationale
A client with a 13 kg (25 lb) weight gain in her third trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during the third trimester can be influenced by factors such as the baby’s growth rate, amniotic fluid volume, and the mother’s increased blood volume. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale
A client with a 3.6 kg (8 lb) weight gain in her first trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. This is within the expected weight gain range for the first trimester. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.