A neonate, one-day-old is awaiting surgical correction of a myelomeningocele. During the preoperative period, which is the priority nursing intervention?

A. Positioning supine may increase pressure on the sac; typically, neonates are positioned prone or on the side to prevent sac injury and contamination. B. Minimizing latex exposure is important due to high risk of latex allergy but is not the immediate priority. C. Pressure reduction is important but secondary to preventing infection. D. Observing for CNS infection is the priority because myelomeningocele sac rupture or contamination can lead to life-threatening infections; early detection and prevention are critical.