A nurse is planning care for an infant who has spina bifida and is to undergo surgical closure of the myelomeningocele sac. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A.
Limit visitors to immediate family members.
B.
Maintain the infant in the supine position.
C.
Provide a latex-free environment.
D.
Initiate contact precautions.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Provide a latex-free environment.
Explanation:
Infants with spina bifida, particularly those with myelomeningocele, have a higher risk of developing latex allergies. Latex products are commonly used in healthcare settings, but individuals with spina bifida are often sensitized to latex due to repeated exposure to medical equipment (such as catheters, gloves, and other devices). This can result in serious allergic reactions, ranging from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis. Therefore, it is essential to create a latex-free environment for these infants to prevent allergic reactions, especially during surgery and subsequent care.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Limit visitors to immediate family members:
There is no specific reason to limit visitors in the case of spina bifida unless the infant has another medical condition, such as an infection, that requires isolation. While limiting visitors may help in controlling infections, it is not a standard recommendation for infants undergoing surgical repair of myelomeningocele.
B. Maintain the infant in the supine position:
It is important to avoid placing the infant in the supine position before the surgical closure of the myelomeningocele. This position could put pressure on the sac, increasing the risk of rupture or infection. Instead, the infant should be positioned prone (on their stomach) or on their side to protect the sac from trauma and reduce the risk of damage.
D. Initiate contact precautions:
Contact precautions are not typically required for infants with spina bifida unless they have a secondary infection or condition that necessitates such measures. Routine infection control practices, such as hand hygiene, are generally sufficient unless specific concerns arise.
Therefore, ensuring a latex-free environment is the most critical intervention in the care plan for this infant.