A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse in the care of an infant who has myelomeningocele.
Which of the following actions by the new nurse indicates the teaching has been effective?
Takes an axillary temperature.
Places the infant in a side-lying position.
Maintains a dry dressing over the sac.
Performs range of motion on the infant's hips.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Infants with spina bifida, including those with myelomeningocele, have an increased risk of rectal anomalies, so avoiding rectal temperatures is essential. The correct and safe method of temperature measurement for these infants is typically axillary.
B. Placing the infant in a side-lying position is not recommended for a child with myelomeningocele. The preferred position is prone to avoid pressure on the sac and reduce the risk of rupture and infection.
C. Maintains a dry dressing over the sac: While the sac should be kept covered, it is typically kept moist with sterile saline-soaked gauze to prevent it from drying out and to minimize the risk of infection.
D. Performs range of motion on the infant's hips: Range of motion exercises might be indicated later on, but initially, the focus is on protecting the sac and preventing complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“Our baby will sleep in our bed because I am breastfeeding.” Sharing a bed with a baby increases the risk of SIDS1.
Choice B is not the answer because removing blankets and toys from the crib is a recommended way to reduce the risk of SIDS2.
Choice C is not the answer because giving a baby a pacifier during naps and at bedtime can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Choice D is not the answer because placing a baby on their back when sleeping is one of the most important measures to help protect against SIDS1.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a.Log rolling is an appropriate technique to reposition a postoperative scoliosis repair patient as it minimizes stress on the spine and helps maintain spinal alignment. Patients need frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort, but every 4 hours may not be frequent enough; typically, every 2 hours is recommended.
b.Protective isolation is not typically required for patients undergoing scoliosis surgery unless they have specific risk factors for infection (e.g., immunocompromised status). Standard postoperative care focuses on monitoring for infection at the surgical site rather than isolation unless indicated by the patient's condition.
c.While it’s important to elevate the head of the bed to assist with breathing and comfort, after scoliosis surgery, the head of the bed is generally elevated to 30-45° to facilitate lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, it should be ensured that this angle does not compromise spinal alignment, especially in the early postoperative period.
d.The use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is an appropriate intervention for pain management after scoliosis surgery. It allows the patient to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, leading to more effective pain management, improved patient satisfaction, and potentially reduced need for supplemental analgesics.
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