Question

Which action would be most important to do for an infant following surgery for myelomeningocele?

A. Place the infant in a prone position
B. Monitor for signs of infection
C. Encourage frequent diaper changes
D. Administer pain medication as needed

Answer 1

The most important action for an infant following surgery for myelomeningocele is to monitor for signs of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important action to do for an infant following surgery for myelomeningocele would be to monitor for signs of infection. After surgery, the infant is at risk of developing an infection at the surgical site due to the opening in the spinal cord. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision site. It is crucial to detect and treat any infections promptly to prevent further complications.

While placing the infant in a prone position (lying face down) might be beneficial for the healing process, it is not as important as monitoring for infection. Encouraging frequent diaper changes and administering pain medication as needed are also important for the infant's comfort, but they do not directly address the risk of infection.