A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr.
Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is D
Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (meninges) protrude outside the body through an opening in the spine. This can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and/or paralysis. Myelomeningocele requires surgical treatment after birth to repair the opening in the spine and prevent infections and further complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following actions should be included in the plan of care for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid:
Cover the sac with a sterile, moist dressing to prevent it from drying out and becoming infected.
Place the baby in a prone position (on the stomach) or on the side to avoid putting pressure on the sac.
Monitor the vital signs, especially the temperature, as the baby may have difficulty regulating body temperature.
Administer antibiotics as prescribed to prevent meningitis and other infections.
Prepare for surgical closure of the sac within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Therefore, the correct answer to your question is d. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. The other options are not appropriate for the immediate postnatal care of a newborn with myelomeningocele. Preparing for surgical closure after 72 hours is too late, as the risk of infection and complications increases with time. Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is not enough, as the baby may need more frequent checks and interventions to maintain a normal body temperature. Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended, as it may irritate the delicate tissues and cause more harm than good
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Demonstrating proper bathing of the infant is incorrect. This is a goal for the taking-hold phase, not the taking-in phase.
Choice B rationale:
Verbalizing appropriate car seat safety is incorrect. This is a goal for the taking-hold phase, not the taking-in phase.
Choice C rationale:
Identifying individual family member roles is incorrect. This is a goal for the taking-hold phase, not the taking-in phase.
Choice D rationale:
Having adequate nutritional intake is correct. During the taking-in phase, the mother is focused on her own needs, including nutrition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering ephedrine IV is not the appropriate action for a client experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism during labor. Ephedrine is typically used to treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia, not amniotic fluid embolism.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client to empty their bladder is not the appropriate action for a client experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism during labor. While bladder care is important, it is not the priority in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing for the presence of clonus is not the appropriate action for a client experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism during labor. Clonus is typically assessed in clients with preeclampsia or eclampsia, not amniotic fluid embolism.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the appropriate action for a client experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism during labor. Amniotic fluid embolism can lead to cardiovascular collapse, therefore, immediate resuscitation measures should be prepared15.
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