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.
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended because it can be irritating and potentially harmful to the exposed neural tissue.
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.
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.
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
The nurse should inform the client that amniocentesis is a procedure that
determines if the baby has genetic or congenital disorders.
Choice B is not the best answer because amniocentesis is typically performed after 15 weeks of gestation.
Choice C is not the best answer because chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a different procedure from amniocentesis.
Choice D is not the best answer because there is no age restriction for having an amniocentesis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This client should be reassessed by the RN prior to transfer, as worsening perineal pain may indicate a hematoma, infection, or inadequate pain management. The RN should inspect the perineum, check the vital signs, and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
The other options are not correct because:
B .A multigravida whose peri-pad is 1/4 saturated with lochia rubra after one hour does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Lochia rubra is the red-colored vaginal discharge that contains blood and debris from the placental site, and it usually lasts for 3 to 4 days after delivery. A peri-pad that is 1/4 saturated after one hour is within the expected range of blood loss.
C. A multigravida complaining of strong afterbirth pains when breastfeeding does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Afterbirth pains are cramps caused by uterine contractions that help shrink the uterus and prevent bleeding. They are more common and intense in multiparous women and during breastfeeding, as oxytocin is released and stimulates the contractions.
D. A primigravida who passed a small clot when she sat up on the edge of the bed does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Small clots may form in the uterus or vagina due to pooling of blood during rest or anesthesia, and they are usually expelled when changing position or ambulating. As long as the clot is smaller than a plum and there is no excessive bleeding or pain, it is not a cause for concern.
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