Congenital Disorders
Neural tube defect with sac protrusion of meninges/spinal cord?
spina bifida / myelomeningocele
Newborn with sac-like protrusion over the spine should be placed in what position before surgery?
Prone Position
A tense bulging fontanelle in an infant suggests what problem?
Increased intracranial pressure
Best feeding intervention for child with poor oral motor control.
Upright positioning, slow feeds, aspiration precautions
Vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects.
Folic acid
Priority nursing action for an exposed myelomeningocele sac.
Keep sac moist and sterile
Most common urinary complication in spina bifida.
Urinary retention / recurrent UTIs
Why is physical therapy important in cerebral palsy?
Improve mobility, prevent contractures
Excess CSF in ventricles causing head enlargement.
Hydrocephalus
Why is stool contamination especially concerning with spina bifida lesions?
Risk of infection/ meningitis
Why should diapers be positioned away from spinal lesion pre-op?
Prevent contamination and infection
Surgical treatment for hydrocephalus.
VP shunt
Many children with spina bifida require catheterization because of what complication?
Neurogenic bladder
Priority psychosocial nursing role with congenital disorders.
Support family coping and education
Vomiting, lethargy, headache after shunt placement may indicate what?
Shunt malfunction
Lower-extremity weakness and absent reflexes in spina bifida are caused by what?
Nerve involvement / spinal cord damage
Child with cerebral palsy may have increased muscle tone called what?
Spasticity
Why is latex avoided in many spina bifida patients?
High risk for latex allergy.
Enlarging head circumference in an infant suggests what disorder?
Hydrocephalus
Why are swallowing assessments important in cerebral palsy?
Aspiration risk