Choice A rationale

While providing age-appropriate stimulation is important for all newborns, it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.

Choice B rationale

Educating the parents about the defect is an important part of care, but it is not the priority nursing goal. The immediate physical needs of the newborn take precedence.

Choice C rationale

This is the correct answer. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the sac is the priority nursing goal.

Choice D rationale

Promoting maternal-infant bonding is important, but it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.

Choice A rationale

While it’s true that a newborn’s stools will transition in color, it typically takes a few days longer than one or two. Initially, the stools are a greenish-black color known as meconium. Over the next few days, as the baby begins digesting breast milk or formula, the stools will gradually transition to a yellow color.

Choice B rationale

This statement is correct. After childbirth, the breasts undergo a process known as engorgement when they start to produce milk. This can cause the breasts to become harder, warmer, and more tender. This is a normal part of the postpartum period and is a sign that the body is preparing to feed the baby.

Choice C rationale

While it’s true that abdominal discomfort generally decreases over time after childbirth, it’s important to note that the rate of decrease can vary greatly among individuals. Factors such as the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), individual pain tolerance, and the presence of any complications can all influence the rate of decrease in abdominal discomfort.

Choice D rationale

While it’s true that many women do feel more energetic as their bodies recover from childbirth, this is not always the case. Factors such as sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn can all contribute to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Therefore, while some women may feel more energetic, others may continue to feel tired for several weeks or even months after giving birth.