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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and is experiencing epigastric pain and headache should be assessed first. These symptoms may indicate preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure and assess for signs of organ damage, such as proteinuria, visual disturbances, and epigastric or right upper quadrant pain. The other clients may also require assessment and intervention, but their symptoms are less urgent and may indicate less serious conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (painful urination), early pregnancy symptoms (nausea and vomiting), or early labor (cramping and spotting).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Urine output of 20 mL/hr is a manifestation of an adverse reaction to magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is a medication used to treat preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. Adverse reactions to magnesium sulfate include hypotension, respiratory depression, and decreased urine output. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and urine output closely while the client is receiving magnesium sulfate. Normal urine output in a healthy individual should be between 0.5-1.5 mL/kg/hour, and patients should generally be urinating at least every 6 hours.
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