What is the priority nursing intervention to perform on an infant immediately following repair of a myelomeningocele?
Assess motor function in lower extremities
Maintain skin integrity
Monitor intake and output
Monitor head circumference
The Correct Answer is D
A. Assess motor function in lower extremities: While important for overall neurological assessment, immediate post-repair monitoring of motor function is secondary to monitoring for signs of hydrocephalus (head circumference).
B. Maintain skin integrity: Essential for preventing infection but does not address the immediate post-surgical complication of hydrocephalus.
C. Monitor intake and output: Important for general post-operative care but does not address the immediate concern of monitoring for hydrocephalus.
D. Monitor head circumference: Following repair of a myelomeningocele, infants are at risk for developing hydrocephalus due to abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Monitoring head circumference helps detect early signs of increased intracranial pressure, a common complication post-surgery.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Offer the newborn a pacifier. This can help soothe the newborn and provide comfort, as infants exposed to opioids in utero often exhibit increased need for sucking.
B. Observe the newborn in a well-lit nursery. This is not appropriate as bright lights can overstimulate and distress the newborn.
C. Maintain a low stimulation environment. This helps reduce stress and irritability in newborns undergoing withdrawal, who can be hypersensitive to stimuli.
D. Administer oral glucose for comfort. Glucose is not typically used for comfort in NAS management; comforting measures like swaddling and pacifiers are preferred.
E. Swaddle the newborn tightly. Tight swaddling can provide a sense of security and help manage symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) by reducing irritability and promoting sleep.
F. Feed the infant half-strength formula. Infants with NAS usually require regular, full-strength formula to meet nutritional needs unless otherwise indicated by specific feeding issues.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Have you passed any clots? This is important to assess for potential postpartum hemorrhage, which can be indicated by passage of large clots.
B. Do you have to go to the bathroom? This does not directly address the issue of excessive bleeding.
C. When was the last time you changed your pad? This provides information about the amount of bleeding but does not address clotting.
D. Are you having any cramping? Cramping is common postpartum but does not directly assess for hemorrhage.
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