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?
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine
Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hours .
Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hours
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Choice A rationale:
Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended because it can be irritating and potentially harmful to the exposed neural tissue.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is not appropriate as it can increase the risk of infection and trauma to the site. Axillary temperature monitoring is preferred.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing for surgical closure after 72 hours is incorrect. Surgical closure is typically performed within the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent infection and further damage to the neural tissue.
Choice D rationale:
Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial to prevent infection, especially since the cerebrospinal fluid is leaking, which increases the risk of meningitis and other infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An oxygen saturation of 89% in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet indicates a decline in the newborn’s status. This level of oxygen saturation is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically above 95%10111213. This could indicate that the newborn is not getting enough oxygen, which could be due to a variety of conditions, including respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. However, it is a nonspecific sign and does not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. It could be a normal response to the newborn’s efforts to breathe more effectively.
Choice C rationale
Fine crackles can be a sign of a lung condition in a newborn. However, they are a nonspecific sign and do not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. They could be a normal finding in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago.
Choice D rationale
An apneic episode less than 15 seconds in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago is not necessarily indicative of a decline in the newborn’s status. Brief periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) are common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern unless they last longer than 20 seconds or are associated with other signs of distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not a normal finding in pregnancy. It could indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other kidney problems. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 40 mg/dL is higher than the normal range, which is between 7 and 20 mg/dL17181920. This could indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. However, it could also be due to a high-protein diet, dehydration, or other factors.
Choice C rationale
Leukorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is usually thin, white or clear, and mild smelling. If the discharge is yellow, green, or gray, has a strong smell, or is accompanied by itching or burning, it could indicate an infection.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 90,000/mm is lower than the normal range, which is between 150,000 and 450,000/mm25. This could indicate a condition called thrombocytopenia, which can be caused by various conditions, including pregnancy25. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation25.
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