Pediatric NS: Neural Tube Defects (NTD) - [NCSBN]

What is spina bifida occulta? [NCBSN]

A spinal cord (SC) defect not visible externally.

What is spina bifida cystica? [NCSBN]

A visible defect with an external sack-like protrusion.

It involves the degeneration of the brain to a spongy form mass with no bony covering. It is the most serious neural tube defect (NTD) in that both cerebral hemispheres are absent. The condition is incompatible with life beyond a few days. [NCSBN]

Anencephaly

Maternal intake of _________________ _________________ before and during pregnancy can prevent most neural tube defects (NTD). NTD depends on the severity of the condition which ranges from no treatment, or occulta, to surgery. [NCSBN]

Folic Acid (FA)

What 4 complications could occur with neural tube defects (NTD)? [NCSBN]

Hydrocephalus Meningitis Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Pneumonia

Long term nursing interventions for neural tube defects (NTD) includ protecting skin ___________________; maintaining bladder and bowel function; and supporting ____________________ integrity. [NCSBN]

Integrity/Musculoskeletal (MS)

What is meningomyelocele? [NCSBN]

It contains meninges, spinal fluid, and nerves; varying neurological deficit.

What is meningocele? [NCSBN]

It is the encased meninges and spinal fluid but no neural elements; no neurological deficit.

Nurses assess for the presence of a __________________ allergy in patients with neural tube defects (NTD). [NCSBN]

Latex

Early surgical closure of a __________________ is required in neural tube defects (NTD). [NCBSN]

Lesion

What diagnostic tests can be run on patients with neural tube defects (NTD)? [NCSBN]

Physical Exam Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Ultrasound (US) Commuted Tomography (CT) Myelography Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Sac protection from _________________ and _________________ ________________ is a special consideration in neural tube defects (NTD). A moist _________________ _________________ non-adherent dressing is required. [NCBSN]

Rupturing/Drying Out/Normal Saline (NS)

The initial care or nursing interventions of neural tube defects (NTD) includes what? [NCBSN]

Sac Protection Moist Sterile Non-adherent Dressing Fluids No Diaper Abdominal Position Range of Motion (ROM) Early Surgical Closure Avoid Rectal Temperatures Neurological Assessment

After the complication of hydrocephalus occurs surgical repair may be needed where the patient may require a __________________. [NCBSN]

Shunt

It is the incomplete closure of the vertebrae and neural tube with an unknown cause. [NCSBN]

Spina Bifida (SB)

Findings for ________________ ________________ defects from neural tube defects (NTD) vary widely based on the degree of spinal defect. The higher the location the more symptoms the infant will have. [NCSBN]

Spinal Cord (SC)

Teach the parents how to measure head circumference after closure. Neural tube defects (NTD) may require __________________ shunt. Monitor for signs of infection. [NCBSN]

Ventricularperitoneal (VP)

Complete blood counts (CBC) specifically identifies _________________ in diagnosing neural tube defects (NTD). [NCBSN]

White Blood Cells (WBC)