The nurse caring for an infant with myelomeningocele before surgical intervention will prioritize care in what way?

A. Minimally invasive surgery is not the standard treatment for plagiocephaly. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for rare, severe, or syndromic cases where conservative measures fail or cranial deformities are extreme. Most infants respond well to non-surgical interventions if identified early.
B. Placing an infant on their back is critical for SIDS prevention, but strict supine positioning can contribute to positional plagiocephaly. Therefore, treatment focuses on repositioning the infant during awake periods, encouraging tummy time, and limiting prolonged supine positioning when the infant is awake and supervised, to promote symmetrical skull growth.
C. Helmet therapy, also called cranial orthosis, is considered the most effective intervention for moderate to severe plagiocephaly. The helmet works by gently guiding skull growth as the infant’s skull is still malleable, usually between 4–12 months of age. Infants typically wear the helmet for 23 hours a day, with adjustments made every few weeks by a specialist to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. This therapy is non-invasive, reduces cranial asymmetry, and avoids the need for surgery in most cases. Parents are also instructed on monitoring skin integrity, proper cleaning, and follow-up appointments to track progress.
D. Hospitalization and surgery are unnecessary for standard positional plagiocephaly. Surgical correction is extremely rare and only indicated for congenital cranial malformations or syndromes that do not respond to conservative management.

A. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is common in infants and typically resolves on its own by 12 months of age. Gentle massage of the lacrimal sac (Crigler massage) may be recommended to help open the duct, but invasive interventions are usually unnecessary in early infancy. Educating the parent that spontaneous resolution is likely helps reduce anxiety and supports appropriate conservative management.

B. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is not caused by a viral infection, so antiviral therapy is not indicated. Treatment focuses on conservative management, with antibiotics reserved only if secondary bacterial conjunctivitis develops.

C. Surgical intervention, such as probing of the duct, is typically considered after 12 months if the obstruction persists. Earlier intervention is generally unnecessary because most cases resolve spontaneously.

D. Routine use of over-the-counter eye drops is not recommended unless there is evidence of secondary infection, as they do not treat the underlying obstruction and may irritate the infant’s eyes.