Question

What should an EMT do when he or she helps to deliver a baby who has spina bifida?

a) Have someone hold the newborn against his or her body
b) Cover the open area with a moist, sterile dressing.
c) Use an occlusive dressing to seal the area.

Answer 1

An EMT should cover the lesion of a newborn with spina bifida with a moist, sterile dressing, avoiding direct pressure, and then transport the infant to a hospital for specialized care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) assists in the delivery of a baby with spina bifida, it is critical to protect the baby's exposed tissues. Spina bifida is a condition where the spinal cord and its coverings protrude through an opening in the spine. After ensuring the baby is breathing well, an EMT should cover the spina bifida lesion with a moist, sterile dressing to prevent infection and drying of the tissues.

The EMT should gently place sterile, moist dressings over the exposed spinal cord and meninges. It's important to avoid direct pressure on the site. Then, the newborn should be placed in a position that minimizes tension on the area, preferably in a way that does not put pressure on the lesion, such as positioning the baby prone (face down) or in a side-lying position if this does not cause additional risk.

Covering the area with a sterile dressing helps to create a barrier against contaminants and keeps the site clean. The next step is to transport the newborn to a hospital for further medical care, ensuring that both the mother and baby receive appropriate support and treatment.