Question

A nurse in a newborn nursery receives a telephone call from the delivery room and is told that a newborn with spina bifida (meningomyelocele type) will be transported to the nursery. Which item does the nurse, preparing for the arrival of the newborn, make a priority of placing at the newborn's bedside?

a) Soft toys for comfort
b) A bulb syringe for suctioning
c) Sterile dressing supplies
d) Extra blankets for warmth

Answer 1

The nurse should make a priority of placing sterile dressing supplies at the newborn's bedside.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing for the arrival of a newborn with spina bifida (meningomyelocele type), the nurse should make a priority of placing sterile dressing supplies at the newborn's bedside.

Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal cord where the meninges and neural tissue emerge through the vertebral column. The opening needs to be covered to prevent infection and further damage. Sterile dressing supplies are essential for maintaining a clean and sterile environment.

Soft toys for comfort, a bulb syringe for suctioning, and extra blankets for warmth are also important, but the immediate priority is to ensure proper wound care and infection control with sterile dressing supplies.