neural tube defects

what would you look for while assessing for a neural tube defect

- a defect on the back - movement below the defect to determine the degree of paralysis - examine for a relaxed anus or dribbling of urine

what is spina bifida usually seen as (visually)

-a dimple on the back -may have a tuft of coarse hair over it

define meningocele

-a protrusion of the meminges and spinal fluid through the spina bifida -covered by skin or a thin membrane

what prenatal care helps to protect the fetus against neural tube defects

-folic acid

what is recommended for prevention of neural tube defects and what is the dose

-folic acid -400 mcg / day

paralysis does not occur with this neural tube defect, explain why

-meningocele -the spinal cord is not involved

this neural tube defect may be accompanied by paralysis, explain why

-myelomeningocele -the spinal cord is involved

what should the nurse do for a neural tube defect protruding through the skin

-place infants torso in a sterile plastic bag -cover the defect with a sterile saline dressing and plastic to prevent drying

folic acid will have a greater effect on preventing neural tube defects if taken when

-prior to conception -in early pregnancy

what position should a infant with a protruding neural tube defect be placed in

-prone or on the side - to help prevent trauma to the sac

define myelomeningocele

-protrusion of a membrane covered sac through the spina bifida -meninges, nerve roots, spinal cord and spinal fluid all protrude into the sac

name the three types of neural tube defects

-spina bifida occulta -meningocele -myelomeningocele

what is the therapeutic management for meningocele and myelomeningocele

-surgery as soon as possible -antibiotics are given - to prevent infection

define spina bifida

defective closure of the bony spine that encloses the spinal cord

what is spina bifida occulta

failure of the vertabral arch to close

this is the worst type of neural tube defect to have

myelomeningocele

this is the most common type of neural tube defect

spina bifida

what area of the body would you assess for a neural tube defect

the back

what determines the level of paralysis a infant will have with myelomeningocele

the location of the defect