Final answer:
A nurse must monitor for neurological symptoms, signs of infection, and manage preoperative and postoperative care in a newborn with spina bifida myelomeningocele. Surgery to close the lesion is crucial, and prenatal folate intake is preventative.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a newborn with a diagnosis of spina bifida myelomeningocele would monitor for major symptoms associated with this disorder, which typically involves neurological issues due to the involvement of spinal nerves. The nurse should be vigilant for signs such as changes in muscle tone, movement, inability to urinate, bowel incontinence, or signs of increased intracranial pressure that can indicate a potential complication like hydrocephalus. Regular assessments of the infant's neurological status and the local site of the defect are crucial. Furthermore, due to the protective meningeal layers being compromised, there is also a risk of infection which the nurse must monitor for meticulously.
The myelomeningocele form of spina bifida requires timely surgery, often shortly after birth, to close the lesion and prevent further damage or infection. Preoperative and postoperative care will involve managing the overall health of the infant, including ensuring proper nutrition and preventing potential complications.
Prenatal care with sufficient folate intake is essential for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Nurses play an important educational role in advising expectant mothers on the importance of folate supplementation to reduce the risk of such congenital anomalies.