A nurse is formulating a care plan for an infant diagnosed with spina bifida who is scheduled for a surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac.

Which of the following interventions should be incorporated into the care plan?

Choice A rationale
Acute rheumatic fever is a complication that can occur after an infection with group A streptococcus, which causes strep throat and sometimes scarlet fever. The most common symptoms of rheumatic fever include fever, painful and tender joints, pain in the chest, fatigue, fast heart rate, palpitations, and multiple-joint inflammation. Therefore, asking if the child has had a sore throat recently is relevant as it could indicate a recent strep throat infection, which is a common precursor to acute rheumatic fever.
Choice B rationale
While injuries can lead to various health complications, they are not directly related to the development of acute rheumatic fever. Acute rheumatic fever is primarily caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to a strep throat or scarlet fever infection.
Therefore, recent injuries would not typically be a relevant factor in a suspected case of acute rheumatic fever.
Choice C rationale
Acute rheumatic fever is not a congenital condition, meaning it is not present from birth. It develops as a complication of strep throat or scarlet fever. Therefore, asking if the child was born with a cardiac defect would not typically be relevant in a suspected case of acute rheumatic fever.
Choice D rationale
While aspirin is often used in the treatment of rheumatic fever to reduce inflammation and pain, it is not a cause of the condition. Therefore, asking if the child has been given aspirin in the past 2 weeks would not typically be relevant in a suspected case of acute rheumatic fever.

Choice A rationale
While inserting an IV catheter can be a part of the overall management plan for a client showing late decelerations on the electronic fetal monitor, it is not the initial course of action. The primary concern with late decelerations is that they may indicate fetal hypoxia, and the first response should be aimed at improving fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the client into the left-lateral position is the correct initial response when late decelerations are observed on the electronic fetal monitor. This position helps to maximize blood flow to the uterus and placenta, thereby improving oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode may be useful for obtaining a more accurate fetal heart rate tracing, but it is not the initial response to late decelerations. The priority is to address the potential fetal hypoxia that late decelerations may indicate.
Choice D rationale
Performing a vaginal exam would not be the initial response to late decelerations. While a vaginal exam can provide valuable information about the progress of labor, it does not address the issue of potential fetal hypoxia indicated by late decelerations.