A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

The correct answer is A: Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. The leaking cerebrospinal fluid puts the newborn at risk for infection, so administering antibiotics helps prevent infection. Monitoring rectal temperature (B) is not directly related to preventing infection. Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine (C) may not be effective in preventing infection. Preparing for surgical closure after 72 hr (D) is important but addressing the risk of infection with antibiotics is the immediate priority.