Prepare for the Pediatric ATI Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


In the immediate postoperative period for an infant with myelomeningocele, what is a critical nursing measure?

  1. Assessing respiratory rate

  2. Administering pain medication

  3. Measuring the head circumference every shift

  4. Evaluating motor function

The correct answer is: Measuring the head circumference every shift

In the immediate postoperative period for an infant with myelomeningocele, measuring the head circumference every shift is crucial. This is because children with this condition are at risk for developing complications such as hydrocephalus due to the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. After surgical repair, monitoring head circumference can help detect early signs of increased intracranial pressure or fluid buildup, allowing for timely intervention if complications arise. While assessing respiratory rate, administering pain medication, and evaluating motor function are all important aspects of postoperative care, the specific need to monitor head circumference closely in this patient population emphasizes the potential neurological implications associated with myelomeningocele and its repair.