Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
An infant with a myelomeningocele.The nurse understands that in the preoperative period the infant with a myelomeningocele must be placed in which of the following positions?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Prone with hips flexed and legs abducted. This position is crucial for infants with myelomeningocele to prevent pressure on the spinal cord and reduce the risk of damage. Placing the infant prone helps to avoid direct pressure on the sac, while flexing the hips and abducting the legs helps to maintain alignment and reduce tension on the spinal cord. This position also facilitates proper wound care and allows for better observation of the surgical site post-operatively.
Incorrect choices:
A: Prone and in full Trendelenburg - Trendelenburg position would increase intracranial pressure and is not recommended.
B: Supine with head slightly elevated - Supine position can put pressure on the spinal cord and is not ideal for infants with myelomeningocele.
C: Side-lying with head slightly elevated - Side-lying position may not provide adequate protection for the spinal cord and surgical site.
Incorrect choices:
A: Prone and in full Trendelenburg - Trendelenburg position would increase intracranial pressure and is not recommended.
B: Supine with head slightly elevated - Supine position can put pressure on the spinal cord and is not ideal for infants with myelomeningocele.
C: Side-lying with head slightly elevated - Side-lying position may not provide adequate protection for the spinal cord and surgical site.