LPN Nursing · Neurological Disorders in Children · Practice question
A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn who has a myelomeningocele. The nurse should ensure that which of the following supplies is available at the bedside?
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✓
Sterile saline
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Rectal thermometer
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Soft restraints
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Latex gloves
Answer & explanation
Correct: Sterile saline
A myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord and meninges protrude through a defect in the vertebral column, covered only by a thin sac. The exposed neural tissue is vulnerable to drying, infection, and mechanical trauma. Sterile saline-soaked dressings must be available at the bedside to keep the sac moist and prevent desiccation of the delicate neural tissue until surgical repair can be performed. Maintaining moisture is critical to preserving neurological function. A rectal thermometer is inappropriate because manipulation in the rectal area could be harmful, and axillary temperature measurement is preferred. Soft restraints are not indicated for a newborn with this condition. Critically, latex gloves must be avoided entirely because infants with myelomeningocele have a very high risk of developing latex allergy, likely due to repeated early exposure to latex during surgical and clinical procedures. All care for these infants should be performed using latex-free equipment and supplies from birth. Therefore, having sterile saline available to keep the sac moist is the correct and most important bedside preparation for a newborn with myelomeningocele.
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