Physiological Adaptation NCLEX RN Related

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An infant diagnosed with spina bifida cystica (meningomyelocele type) has had the sac surgically removed. The nurse plans which intervention in the postoperative period to maintain the infant's safety?

  • A. Covering the back dressing with a binder
  • B. Placing the infant in a head-down position
  • C. Strapping the infant in a baby seat sitting up
  • D. Elevating the head with the infant in the prone position
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Spina bifida is a central nervous system defect that results from failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development. Care of the operative site is carried out under the direction of the surgeon and includes close observation for signs of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The prone position is maintained after surgical closure to decrease the pressure on the surgical site on the back; however, many neurosurgeons allow side-lying or partial side-lying position unless it aggravates a coexisting hip dysplasia or permits undesirable hip flexion. Elevating the head will decrease the chance of cerebrospinal fluid collecting in the cranial cavity.