An infant has just undergone surgical repair of a myelomeningocele.What is the priority nursing intervention to perform immediately following the procedure?

Choice A rationalePositioning the infant supine increases pressure on the surgical site, potentially disrupting healing or increasing the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Supine positioning is contraindicated immediately after myelomeningocele repair as it can compromise the integrity of the repair.Choice B rationaleMonitoring head circumference detects signs of hydrocephalus, a common complication after myelomeningocele repair due to cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Enlarging head circumference can indicate increased intracranial pressure and require immediate intervention to prevent further neurological damage.Choice C rationaleIntake and output monitoring provides essential hydration and renal function data post-surgery. While important, it is not the priority intervention immediately following surgery, as it does not directly address complications such as hydrocephalus or infection risk.Choice D rationaleMaintaining skin integrity prevents infection and promotes healing but does not address potential neurological complications. While this intervention remains vital for recovery, it is secondary to detecting hydrocephalus or fluid imbalances post-surgery.