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?

Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr.

Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.

Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.

Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (meninges) protrude outside the body through an opening in the spine. This can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and/or paralysis. Myelomeningocele requires surgical treatment after birth to repair the opening in the spine and prevent infections and further complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following actions should be included in the plan of care for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid:

Cover the sac with a sterile, moist dressing to prevent it from drying out and becoming infected.
Place the baby in a prone position (on the stomach) or on the side to avoid putting pressure on the sac.
Monitor the vital signs, especially the temperature, as the baby may have difficulty regulating body temperature.
Administer antibiotics as prescribed to prevent meningitis and other infections.
Prepare for surgical closure of the sac within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Therefore, the correct answer to your question is d. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. The other options are not appropriate for the immediate postnatal care of a newborn with myelomeningocele. Preparing for surgical closure after 72 hours is too late, as the risk of infection and complications increases with time. Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is not enough, as the baby may need more frequent checks and interventions to maintain a normal body temperature. Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended, as it may irritate the delicate tissues and cause more harm than good

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Single palmar creases.

Choice A rationale: Single palmar creases (also known as simian creases) can be associated with certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. The presence of this finding in a newborn should prompt further investigation and reporting to the healthcare provider for additional assessment and possible genetic testing.

Choice B rationale: Rust-stained urine in a newborn is typically caused by uric acid crystals, which are common and not considered abnormal during the first few days of life. This condition usually resolves without intervention, and it does not require reporting to the provider unless it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Choice C rationale: Transient circumoral cyanosis is a common finding in newborns, especially when crying or feeding. It usually resolves on its own and is not considered an alarming sign unless it persists or is associated with central cyanosis or other signs of respiratory distress.

Choice D rationale: Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common finding in newborns, usually resulting from the pressure changes during delivery. It typically resolves on its own within a few weeks and does not require reporting to the provider unless there are signs of other underlying conditions.

A. Hypertension. B. Uterine tenderness. C. Fetal tachycardia. D. Leukorrhea.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine tenderness is a common symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal tachycardia is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice D rationale:
Leukorrhea is not associated with abruptio placentae.

The most likely finding the nurse should expect in a client experiencing abruptio placenta during labor is:

b. Uterine tenderness.

Here's why:

Hypertension (a):While preeclampsia can increase the risk of abruptio placenta,it's not always present,and hypertension wouldn't be the immediate expected finding during the abruption event itself.
Fetal tachycardia (c):This can occur in early stages of abruption to compensate for decreased oxygen supply,but as the abruption becomes more severe,fetal bradycardia is more likely due to oxygen deprivation.
Leukorrhea (d):This is a white vaginal discharge and has no connection to abruptio placenta.

Uterine tenderness is a characteristic sign of abruptio placenta due to bleeding behind the placenta and irritation of the uterine muscle. This is often accompanied by:

Vaginal bleeding (bright red or dark)
Abdominal pain or cramping
Sudden, ongoing uterine tightening or irritability
Fetal distress (decreased fetal heart rate movements)

Therefore, option b is the most expected finding in this scenario.

Remember: Early recognition and prompt management of abruptio placenta are crucial for optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. If you suspect abruptio placenta, immediate medical attention is essential.

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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?

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