What should a nurse monitor in a 2-day-old infant with myelomeningocele?

Study for the Learning System RN 3.0 Nursing Care of Children Exam. Practice with multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations to ensure your readiness for the RN exam.

Monitoring the head circumference in a 2-day-old infant with myelomeningocele is crucial because this condition often leads to an increased risk of hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Infants with myelomeningocele may have altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics due to the spinal defect, which can result in rapid increases in intracranial pressure.

Frequent assessments of head circumference allow for early detection of any abnormal increases, enabling timely intervention if hydrocephalus develops. This is particularly important in very young infants, as rapid changes can occur over a short period.

While monitoring weight gain, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important aspects of overall care for a newborn, in the context of myelomeningocele, head circumference specifically addresses the unique considerations related to potential neurological complications associated with the condition. This focused monitoring helps ensure optimal outcomes for the infant's neurological health.

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