A nurse is planning care for a newborn who has spinal bifida.
Which of the following actions should be included in the plan of care?
Obtain rectal temperatures
Cover the lesion with a dry dressing
Apply snug clean diapers
Place the newborn in the prone position .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Obtaining rectal temperatures is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the rectal route can introduce bacteria into the body, which can lead to infection.
Additionally, the rectal route may not provide an accurate temperature reading for these newborns.
Choice B rationale
Covering the lesion with a dry dressing is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. The lesion should be kept moist to prevent drying and cracking, which can lead to infection.
Choice C rationale
Applying snug clean diapers is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the pressure from the diaper can damage the exposed nerves and tissues in the lesion area.
Choice D rationale
Placing the newborn in the prone position is recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This position helps to minimize pressure on the lesion and reduces the risk of trauma and infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While itching can be a side effect of opioid analgesics, it is not the priority observation. Itching can be uncomfortable for the client, but it is not life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F) indicates a low-grade fever. While this should be monitored, it is not the priority observation in this situation.
Choice C rationale
The priority observation is the client’s blood pressure. Opioid epidural analgesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to inadequate perfusion to the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Weakness of the lower extremities can be a side effect of epidural analgesia, but it is not the priority observation. The nurse should monitor for this, but it is not as critical as monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Documenting the findings and continuing to monitor the client is appropriate because the nurse has already observed that the fundus is midline and firm, which indicates good uterine tone. The presence of lochia rubra and small clots is expected in the immediate postpartum period.
Choice B rationale: Encouraging the client to empty her bladder can help maintain uterine tone, but in this scenario, the fundus is already firm and midline, so this is not the priority action.
Choice C rationale: Notifying the client's provider is unnecessary at this time because the findings are within normal postpartum expectations and the uterus is firm.
Choice D rationale: Increasing the frequency of fundal massage is not needed because the uterus is already firm and midline, indicating that it is contracting properly.
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.