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?
- A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- B. Monitor the rectal temperature every 4 hr.
- C. Cleanse the site with povidone-iodine.
- D. Prepare for surgical closure after 72 hr.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Rationale: Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential to prevent infection in the newborn with a leaking myelomeningocele. The exposed spinal cord increases the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as meningitis. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat any potential infections.
Incorrect Choices:
B. Monitoring rectal temperature every 4 hours is not the priority in this situation. Infection prevention and management should take precedence.
C. Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine may not be appropriate as it can be irritating to the exposed spinal cord.
D. Surgical closure after 72 hours may be delayed if there is an infection present. Administering antibiotics is crucial before proceeding with surgical closure.
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A nurse is caring for a newborn who was transferred to the nursery 30 min after birth because of mild respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Confirm the newborn's Apgar score.
- B. Verify the newborn's identification.
- C. Administer vitamin K to the newborn.
- D. Determine obstetrical risk factors.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the newborn's identification. This should be the first action taken because ensuring the correct identification of the newborn is crucial for providing appropriate care. Incorrect identification could lead to serious consequences, such as administering medications or treatments to the wrong infant. Confirming the newborn's Apgar score (choice A) or administering vitamin K (choice C) can wait until the identification is verified. Determining obstetrical risk factors (choice D) is important but not the immediate priority.
A nurse is caring for a client who is at 15 weeks of gestation, is Rh-negative, and has just had an amniocentesis. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority following the procedure?
- A. Check the client's temperature.
- B. Observe for uterine contractions.
- C. Administer Rho(D) immune globulin.
- D. Monitor the FHR.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer Rho(D) immune globulin. This is the priority intervention following an amniocentesis in an Rh-negative client at 15 weeks gestation to prevent Rh isoimmunization. Administering Rho(D) immune globulin helps prevent the mother's immune system from forming antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells, which could lead to hemolytic disease in the newborn. Checking the client's temperature (A) is not the priority as there is no immediate risk related to the procedure. Observing for uterine contractions (B) is important but not the priority immediately post-procedure. Monitoring the FHR (D) is important but not the priority at this time.
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is receiving heparin via a continuous IV infusion for thrombophlebitis in their left calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer aspirin for pain.
- B. Maintain the client on bed rest.
- C. Massage the affected leg every 12 hr.
- D. Apply cold compresses to the affected calf.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Choice B is correct because bed rest helps prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of embolism. Movement can dislodge the clot. Aspirin (Choice A) can increase bleeding risk. Massaging (Choice C) can dislodge clots. Cold compresses (Choice D) can also increase bleeding risk and dislodge clots.
A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a client who requests an oral contraceptive. Which of the following findings in the client’s history should the nurse recognize as a contraindication to oral contraceptives? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Cholecystitis
- B. Hypertension
- C. Human papillomavirus
- D. Migraine headaches
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: The correct answer is A, B, D. Cholecystitis is a contraindication due to increased risk of gallbladder disease with oral contraceptives. Hypertension is a contraindication because estrogen in oral contraceptives can worsen hypertension. Migraine headaches with aura are a contraindication due to increased risk of stroke. Human papillomavirus is not a contraindication unless it is accompanied by other conditions.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is in labor and is to have an amniotomy. Which of the following assessments should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. O2 saturation
- B. Temperature
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Urinary output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. During an amniotomy, there is an increased risk of infection due to the introduction of bacteria into the uterine cavity. Monitoring the client's temperature is crucial to detect any signs of infection promptly. A sudden spike in temperature could indicate chorioamnionitis, a serious infection that can harm both the mother and the baby. O2 saturation (A), blood pressure (C), and urinary output (D) are important assessments but are not the priority in this situation. Monitoring O2 saturation is essential for fetal well-being but is not directly related to the amniotomy procedure. Blood pressure monitoring is significant for detecting any changes in maternal status, but infection assessment takes precedence in this case. Urinary output is essential for assessing hydration status and kidney function, but infection monitoring is more critical during an amniotomy.