A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A, administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Choice A rationale:
Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial for a newborn with a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid to prevent infection. The leaking of cerebrospinal fluid can increase the risk of meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used as a prophylactic measure to reduce this risk.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is important for detecting fever, which could indicate infection. However, it is not the most immediate action required for a newborn with a leaking myelomeningocele. The priority is to prevent infection through the administration of antibiotics.
Choice C rationale:
Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended for a myelomeningocele because it can be toxic to the exposed neural tissue. Instead, the area should be covered with a sterile saline dressing to protect the site and prevent drying and further damage to the neural tissue.
Choice D rationale:
While surgical closure is necessary for a newborn with myelomeningocele, it is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, not after 72 hours. Early closure is essential to reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the exposed spinal cord and nerves.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the client in a Trendelenburg position (head down and feet up) is not recommended after a convulsion in a pregnant client. It could potentially compromise blood flow to the brain and fetus. The priority after a convulsion is to ensure the client's airway and oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client to void might be necessary during the course of care but is not the immediate action needed after a convulsion. The priority is to address airway and oxygenation needs.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen to the client via face mask at 10 L/min is the correct action after the client experiences a convulsion. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia, characterized by seizures. Providing oxygen ensures adequate oxygenation to the brain and vital organs during and after the convulsion.
Choice D rationale:
Giving calcium gluconate is not the appropriate action for eclampsia. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hyperkalemia and calcium channel blocker overdose. It does not address the underlying issue of eclampsia or prevent further convulsions. The immediate focus should be on managing the convulsions and ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceA. Continue to monitor the client.
Choice A rationale:
Early decelerations are typically benign and are caused by fetal head compression during contractions.They usually do not require any specific intervention other than continued monitoring to ensure they remain early decelerations and do not progress to more concerning patterns.
Choice B rationale:
Discontinuing oxytocin is not necessary for early decelerations, as they are not indicative of fetal distress.Oxytocin would be discontinued if there were signs of more severe decelerations or other complications.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client to lay on her right side is not specifically required for early decelerations.This position change is more commonly used for variable or late decelerations to improve uteroplacental blood flow.
Choice D rationale:
Administering oxygen at 8 L/min per mask is not needed for early decelerations.Oxygen is typically reserved for situations where there is evidence of fetal hypoxia or distress.
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