A nurse is providing teaching to a new parent about findings that require notification of the newborn's provider.

Which of the following newborn clinical manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:
Intense contractions lasting 45 to 60 seconds are normal during labor.
Choice B rationale:
An urge to have a bowel movement during contractions could indicate that the baby’s head is descending into the birth canal, which may require immediate attention.
Choice C rationale:
A sense of excitement and warm, flushed skin are normal emotional and physiological responses during labor.
Choice D rationale:
Progressive sacral discomfort during contractions is a normal part of labor as the baby descends through the birth canal.

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