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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not include the information about beginning Kegel exercises 6 to 7 weeks after delivery because Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises that help improve bladder control and should be started earlier, immediately after childbirth. Delaying the exercises for 6 to 7 weeks could result in weaker pelvic floor muscles and potentially exacerbate postpartum urinary issues.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should not include the information that the client doesn't need to use birth control if exclusively breastfeeding. While exclusive breastfeeding can provide some natural contraceptive effect, it is not a reliable method, and there is still a risk of pregnancy during the postpartum period. The nurse should advise the client to use appropriate birth control methods to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The nurse should include information about the client's breasts becoming firm and tender 3 to 5 days after delivery. This is a normal physiological response known as engorgement, which occurs as the breasts prepare for breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should not inform the client that her bleeding will remain bright red for the next 6 to 8 weeks. While some postpartum bleeding is normal (known as lochia), the color and amount of bleeding change over time. Initially, it is bright red and gradually transitions to a lighter color over the following weeks.
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