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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Requesting that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter is not the immediate action the nurse should take when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Exerting continuous upward pressure on the presenting part is the correct action when the nurse palpates the umbilical cord during a vaginal examination. This manoeuvre is called "vaginal elevation,”. helps lift the presenting part off the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal distress until the provider can take further action.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating oxytocin via continuous IV infusion is not appropriate when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. Oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, potentially further compromising the cord and fetus.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the left-lateral position is not the best immediate action for cord palpation. While the left-lateral position is useful for relieving pressure on the vena cava in cases of supine hypotensive syndrome, the priority here is to relieve cord compression, and upward pressure on the presenting part is more effective.

A. Increased fetal movement. B. Increased urinary output. C. Increased muscle weakness. D. Increased respiratory rate.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Increased fetal movement is a positive sign during pregnancy and indicates the well-being of the baby. It is not a concern and does not require reporting.

Choice B rationale:
Increased urinary output may be expected in a client receiving magnesium sulfate due to its diuretic effects. This finding is not alarming and does not require immediate reporting unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.

Choice C rationale:
Increased muscle weakness is a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate administration. It is important to monitor the client for signs of magnesium toxicity, and increased muscle weakness should be reported promptly as it may indicate the need for adjustments in the dosage or administration of the medication.

Choice D rationale:
Increased respiratory rate is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate use and is unlikely to be a concerning finding in this context. However, it's always essential to monitor respiratory status, but it may not be specifically related to the magnesium sulfate treatment.

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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 is admitting a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation following a spontaneous rupture of membranes. The nurse performs a vaginal examination and palpates the umbilical cord. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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