Final answer:
Initial nursing intervention for a newborn with myelomeningocele involves positioning and protecting the exposed spinal tissue with sterile, moist dressing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first nursing intervention for a newborn with myelomeningocele prior to surgery should be to protect the integrity of the exposed spinal tissue. The preoperative intervention includes the careful positioning of the newborn to prevent pressure on the sac and covering the sac with a sterile, moist dressing to minimize the risk of infection and drying of the tissue. This measure assists in creating optimal conditions for subsequent surgical repair and is critical in the initial management of the child with myelomeningocele.
Additionally, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection and prepare the infant and family for the surgical intervention. Steps the nurse can take include clearing the airway of secretions, providing supplemental oxygen if necessary, and positioning the newborn to facilitate optimal respiratory function.