An infant is born with a gastroschisis. Care preoperatively should include which priority intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct priority intervention for an infant with gastroschisis is to cover the exposed abdominal contents with a sterile bowel bag. This action helps protect the intestines from injury, contamination, and dehydration before surgical repair. Choice A, placing the infant in the prone position, is not appropriate as it does not address the immediate need to protect the exposed intestines. Choice B, sterile water feedings, and Choice C, monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes, are not the priority interventions for this condition. Sterile water feedings may not provide the necessary protection for the exposed intestines, and monitoring electrolytes, while important, is secondary to the immediate need for protection and hydration of the exposed abdominal contents.
Nokea