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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should assess this client first as they are at 34 weeks of gestation and experiencing epigastric pain and headache. These symptoms could be indicative of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Preeclampsia requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy, and at 12 weeks of gestation, it is less likely to be a critical issue compared to potential preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale:

Painful urination may indicate a urinary tract infection, which can be important to assess and treat, but it is not as urgent as potential signs of preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation.

Choice D rationale:

Cramping and spotting can be normal signs of impending labor, especially at 39 weeks of gestation. While it's important to assess this client, it is not the priority over potential preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation with symptoms of epigastric pain and headache.

A. Blood pressure 136/88 mm Hg. B. Moderate fetal heart rate variability. C. Respiratory rate 100/min. D. Urinary output 120 mL in 2 hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Blood pressure of 136/88 mm Hg should be monitored, but it is not a finding that the nurse needs to urgently report to the provider following the administration of butorphanol. The blood pressure reading is slightly elevated but might be attributed to pain or anxiety during labor.

Choice B rationale:

Moderate fetal heart rate variability is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and is an expected finding during labor. It does not require immediate reporting to the provider.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate of 100/min is significantly increased and should be reported to the provider following the administration of butorphanol. Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of opioids like butorphanol, and a respiratory rate of 100/min raises concern for potential respiratory compromise.

Choice D rationale:

Urinary output of 120 mL in 2 hours is an acceptable finding during labor and does not require immediate reporting to the provider. Adequate urinary output varies, but generally, 30 mL/hour is considered acceptable during labor.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse on an antepartum unit is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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