A nurse is caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele. What should immediate nursing care for this infant include?
ExplanationC. This is done to prevent drying and breakage of the sac; any opening increases the risk for infection to the central nervous system.
A. Diapering is contraindicated until the defect is repaired; the diaper may irritate the sac and cause rupture, predisposing to infection.
B. The infant generally is placed in a neutral position to reduce pressure on the affected area.
D. The legs are abducted to counteract subluxation, since the infant is unable to move the legs
