After an uneventful pregnancy a client gives birth to an infant with a meningocele. The neonate has 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores of 9 and 10, respectively. What is the priority nursing care for this newborn

The newborn is to be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Explanation:

The priority nursing care is aimed at preventing infections and trauma in the newborn. The presence of meningocele, leaves the child susceptible to meningitis if a rupture occurs.

Therefore, the meningocele has to be protected to avoid any trauma before the infant is then moved to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Name bracelets should be placed before the newborn leaves the birthing room to ensure there is proper identification all through the period of care

The Apgar scores of 9 and 10, indicate oxygen is not needed and the child's respiratory functions are stable.