Omphalocele

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Congenital abdominal wall defect at umbilical ring with herniated organs covered by a membrane.
• Exposed sac risks rupture, heat/fluid loss, infection, and association with other anomalies.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Signs / symptoms

• Organs covered by sac at umbilicus.
• Do not compress the sac.
• Heat and fluid loss are immediate concerns.

Nursing actions

• Protect sac with sterile saline dressings and clear covering per protocol; position to avoid pressure/torsion.
• Maintain thermoregulation, NPO status, IV fluids, and monitor perfusion/respiratory status.
• Assess for associated cardiac or chromosomal anomalies and prepare surgical plan.

Complications

• Sac rupture
• Infection
• Fluid/heat loss
• Respiratory compromise
• Associated anomalies

NCLEX cues

• Organs covered by sac at umbilicus.
• Do not compress the sac.
• Heat and fluid loss are immediate concerns.

Memory hooks

• Omphalocele has a cover; protect it.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

• Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.