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?
Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr
The Correct Answer is B
A. Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr: Rectal temperature measurement is contraindicated in this newborn due to the risk of trauma to the spinal cord or irritation of the leaking sac. Axillary temperature monitoring is a safer alternative.
B. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics help prevent infection from organisms entering through the exposed or leaking sac. This is a priority intervention to ensure the safety of the newborn.
C. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine: Povidone-iodine is not recommended for cleansing the sac, as it can cause irritation or toxicity. Instead, the sac should be kept clean and moist with a sterile, saline-soaked dressing.
D. Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr: Surgical closure of the defect is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth to minimize infection risk and prevent further damage to neural tissue. Waiting beyond this window is not standard practice for a leaking myelomeningocele.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Three uterine contractions within a 20-min period require intervention by the nurse during a nonstress test at 35 weeks of gestation. The nonstress test is used to assess fetal well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) response to fetal movement. The test is considered reactive if there are two or more accelerations of the FHR within a 20-min period, each lasting at least 15 seconds and peaking at least 15 beats above the baseline. In this scenario, the finding that requires intervention by the nurse is three uterine contractions within a 20-min period. This is because frequent or prolonged contractions can indicate preterm labor, which requires immediate intervention
to prevent premature delivery. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of preterm labor, such as pelvic pressure, low back pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge, and abdominal cramping. The nurse should also notify the provider and prepare the client for further evaluation and possible interventions, such as tocolytic therapy to stop the contractions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr: Rectal temperature measurement is contraindicated in this newborn due to the risk of trauma to the spinal cord or irritation of the leaking sac. Axillary temperature monitoring is a safer alternative.
B. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics help prevent infection from organisms entering through the exposed or leaking sac. This is a priority intervention to ensure the safety of the newborn.
C. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine: Povidone-iodine is not recommended for cleansing the sac, as it can cause irritation or toxicity. Instead, the sac should be kept clean and moist with a sterile, saline-soaked dressing.
D. Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr: Surgical closure of the defect is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth to minimize infection risk and prevent further damage to neural tissue. Waiting beyond this window is not standard practice for a leaking myelomeningocele.
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