Question

The nurse in a newborn nursery is told that a newborn with spina bifida (myelomeningocele type) will be transported from the delivery room. The nurse is asked to prepare for the arrival of the newborn. The nurse places which priority item at the newborn's bedside?

a. Mobile toys
b. A diaper changing station
c. A sterile dressing and supplies
d. A pacifier

Answer 1

The nurse should place a sterile dressing and supplies at the newborn's bedside as the priority item to protect the exposed neural tissue and prevent infection in a newborn with myelomeningocele type spina bifida.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should place a sterile dressing and supplies at the newborn's bedside as the priority item. Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal cord where the meninges and neural tissue protrude through the vertebral column. As a result, the newborn with myelomeningocele type spina bifida will require immediate medical attention and protection of the exposed neural tissue. Placing a sterile dressing and supplies at the bedside will help prevent infection and provide necessary care for the newborn.