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.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Correct Answer is ["D","E","H"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
BUN is within the normal range (10 to 20 mg/dL), so it's not an indication of a potential complication.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium is slightly below the normal range (3.5 to 5 mEq/L), indicating potential hypokalemia, which can be a complication.
Choice C rationale:
Hct is at the upper limit of the normal range (33% to 49%), but still within normal, so it's not a complication.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss of 2 kg in 1 month during pregnancy is concerning and could indicate a complication such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice E rationale:
Heart rate is slightly elevated, which could indicate dehydration, a potential complication.
Choice F rationale:
Sodium is slightly below the normal range (136 to 145 mEq/L), but this alone is not typically a complication of pregnancy.
Choice G rationale:
Hgb is within the normal range (11 to 16 g/dL), so it's not a complication.
Choice H rationale:
Urine-specific gravity is above the normal range (1.005 to 1.030), indicating potential dehydration, a complication.

A. Use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part. B. Administer a tocolytic medication. C. Apply oxygen via facemask to the client. D. Wrap the cord in a sterile towel and moisten with warm sterile normal saline.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
The nurse should use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part to relieve cord compression, which is the immediate priority in this emergency situation.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a tocolytic medication is not the immediate priority. It may be done later to inhibit uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale:
Applying oxygen to the client is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the cord in a sterile towel and moistening with warm sterile normal saline is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is ["D","E","H"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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