An infant is born with an encephalocele.Which action by the nurse takes priority?
A) Admit the baby to the NICU.
B) Consult the palliative care team.
C) Place warm sterile gauze on the defect.
D) Prepare the infant for surgery.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority action is to place sterile gauze over the open defect to prevent infection.The infant will need surgery and admission to the NICU,but the first action to take is to protect the baby's safety.The mortality rate is fairly high,but the first choice would not be to consult the palliative care team,as surgery is usually attempted to repair the defect.

An Infant Is Born with an Encephalocele