Basics
What is spina bifida?
What is a neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly?
What is the mildest form of spina bifida?
What is spina bifida occulta?
What prenatal test measures alpha-fetoprotein levels to screen for spina bifida?
What is the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) test?
What is the primary goal of surgery for newborns with myelomeningocele?
What is to close the defect and prevent infection?
In the immediate postnatal period, how should a newborn with myelomeningocele be positioned?
What is prone?
Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with spina bifida?
What is folic acid (vitamin B9)?
Which type of spina bifida involves a sac of fluid without the spinal cord protruding?
What is meningocele?
At what gestational weeks is the MSAFP test usually performed?
What is 16-18 weeks?
Which common condition associated with spina bifida involves fluid accumulation in the brain?
What is hydrocephalus?
Name a common complication of spina bifida that nurses should monitor for in infants?
What is infection?
Spina bifida occurs during which stage of pregnancy?
What is the first month of pregnancy?
Which type of spina bifida is the most severe and involves the spinal cord?
What is myelomeningocele?
Which imaging technique is commonly used to confirm spina bifida prenatally?
What is ultrasound?
Name a device often used to manage hydrocephalus.
What is a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt?
Which nursing intervention is crucial for protecting the neural tube defect in newborns?
What is covering the defect with a sterile, moist dressing?
True or False: Spina bifida can always be detected through genetic testing?
What is False?
True or False: All forms of spina bifida are visible at birth?
What is False?
Which prenatal diagnostic test involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid?
What is amniocentesis?
What type of therapy helps spina bifida patients improve mobility?
What is physical therapy?
What type of program might a nurse help implement to manage bowel function in a child with spina bifida?
What is a bowel management program?
What structure fails to close properly in spina bifida?
What is the neural tube?
What is the primary difference between meningocele and myelomeningocele?
What is meningocele involves only the meninges, while myelomeningocele involves the spinal cord and nerves?
Name a postnatal imaging study used to assess spina bifida.
What is MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)?
True or False: Prenatal surgery for spina bifida can be performed while the baby is still in the womb?
What is True?
Which healthcare professionals are typically involved in the multidisciplinary care of a child with spina bifida?
Who are neurologists, urologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists?