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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is **d. The newborn is beginning to cough**.
Choice A rationale:
An irregular respiratory rate in a newborn is not necessarily an indication for nasopharyngeal suctioning. Irregular respirations can have various causes, and suctioning may not be the appropriate intervention.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute is within the normal range for a newborn and does not indicate the need for nasopharyngeal suctioning.
Choice C rationale:
A pulse oximetry reading of 91% is low and may indicate the need for intervention, but it does not specifically indicate the need for nasopharyngeal suctioning. Other interventions, such as supplemental oxygen, may be more appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
The newborn beginning to cough is a clear indication that there may be secretions or obstruction in the nasopharynx, and suctioning may be necessary to clear the airway and improve respiratory function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Limiting the length of breastfeeding to 5 minutes per breast may not address the underlying issue of sore nipples and can compromise the newborn's nutritional intake and bonding with the mother.
Choice B rationale:
Offering supplemental formula between feedings is not indicated unless there are specific concerns about the newborn's weight gain or nutritional needs. It does not directly address the issue of sore nipples.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the newborn's latch while breastfeeding is essential to identify if improper latch or positioning is causing sore nipples. Correcting the latch technique can alleviate the discomfort and promote effective breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client to wait 4 hours between daytime feedings may lead to inadequate feeding for the newborn, especially during the early postpartum period when frequent feedings are essential for establishing breastfeeding and ensuring proper milk supply.
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