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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pale, translucent skin is not typically a characteristic of a postterm newborn. Postterm newborns often have dry, peeling, loose skin.
Choice B rationale
Large deposits of subcutaneous fat are not usually seen in postterm newborns. In fact, these babies may appear abnormally thin, especially if the function of the placenta was severely reduced near the end of the pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Nails extending over the tips of the fingers is indeed a common characteristic of postterm newborns. This is because the baby has had more time to grow in the womb.
Choice D rationale
A thin covering of fine hair on the shoulders and back is not typically seen in postterm newborns. This characteristic is more commonly associated with preterm babies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 89/min is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
Cool, clammy skin can be a sign of shock or other serious conditions such as hypoperfusion or inadequate blood flow, which could be a sign of hemorrhage or other circulatory issues. This is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider immediately. Hypoperfusion can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the body’s organs and tissues, which can result in organ failure and other serious complications. Therefore, any signs of hypoperfusion, including cool, clammy skin, should be reported to the provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale
Moderate lochia serosa is a normal finding in a woman who is 3 days postpartum. Lochia serosa is the term for the pink or brownish discharge that occurs after lochia rubra, the bright red discharge that occurs immediately after childbirth. Lochia serosa typically begins about 3- 4 days after delivery and can continue for up to 10 days postpartum.
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