A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the guardian of an infant who had a large myelomeningocele repair in the lumbar area. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Perform clean intermittent catheterization every 8 hours.
Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate the passage of stool twice per day.
Anticipate gradual loss of function in the lower extremities.
Check toys and pacifiers for the presence of latex.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Perform clean intermittent catheterization every 8 hours is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require catheterization. The nurse should assess the infant’s bladder function and teach the guardian how to perform catheterization if needed.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate the passage of stool twice per day is a possible intervention for infants who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or spina bifida. However, not all infants who have myelomeningocele repair require rectal stimulation. The nurse should assess the infant’s bowel function and teach the guardian how to manage constipation or fecal incontinence if needed.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Anticipate gradual loss of function in the lower extremities is a possible outcome for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, depending on the location and severity of the defect. However, the nurse should not assume that the infant will lose function in the lower extremities. The nurse should monitor the infant’s motor and sensory development and provide appropriate interventions to promote mobility and prevent complications.
Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching. Check toys and pacifiers for the presence of latex is an important precaution for infants who have myelomeningocele repair, as they are at risk of developing latex allergy due to repeated exposure to latex products during surgery and medical procedures. The nurse should teach the guardian how to identify and avoid latex-containing items and how to recognize and treat signs of allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a 20-gauge needle for injections in a 3-month-old infant is not appropriate as it is too large. A smaller gauge needle should be used to minimize pain and tissue trauma.
Choice B reason: Providing a pacifier coated with an oral sucrose solution prior to the injections is an evidence-based practice to reduce pain in infants. The sweet taste of sucrose has a soothing effect and can help to distract the infant from the discomfort of the injection.
Choice C reason: Injecting immunizations into the deltoid muscle is not recommended for a 3-month-old infant as their muscle mass is not yet fully developed. The anterolateral thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants.
Choice D reason: Applying eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream immediately before the injections can help to numb the skin and reduce pain. However, it needs to be applied at least one hour before the procedure to be effective.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding the removal of the cream prior to the procedure is important, but it does not specify when or how the cream should be applied, which is crucial for its effectiveness.
Choice B reason: Rubbing the cream into the skin is not recommended as it should be applied as a thick layer and covered with an occlusive dressing to ensure proper absorption and numbing effect.
Choice C reason: Applying the cream 1 hour before the procedure allows enough time for the lidocaine and prilocaine to take effect, providing adequate local anesthesia for the insertion of the IV catheter.
Choice D reason: Washing the site with alcohol prior to applying the cream is necessary to clean the area, but it is not the action that addresses the primary goal of numbing the site for the procedure.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.