MEDizzy - The nurse is caring for an infant with myelomeningocele who

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Neuromuscular Disorders Part II

The nurse is caring for an infant with myelomeningocele who is going to surgery later today for closure of the sac. Which would be a priority nursing diagnosis before surgery?

ExplanationThe unrepaired myelomeningocele is oftentimes a thin membrane that covers the neural contents of the spine. A normal saline dressing is placed over the sac to prevent tearing. The tearing would allow the CSF to escape and microorganisms to enter. The infant is at high risk for spinal cord infections. The priority nursing diagnosis is risk of infection.