Spina bifida
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Spina bifida
Also testable as: Myelomeningocele, Meningocele, Neural tube defect
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Neural tube closure defect associated with folate deficiency risk and genetic/environment factors.
- Spinal cord/meninges may protrude, causing neurologic, bladder, bowel, orthopedic, and infection risks.
Medications
No specific medication class was seeded for this card.
Signs / symptoms
- Do not put diaper over open sac.
- Prone positioning before repair.
- Latex allergy risk is testable.
Nursing actions
- If sac is open, place prone, protect sac with sterile moist dressing per protocol, and prevent contamination.
- Assess lower extremity movement/sensation, bladder/bowel function, latex allergy risk, and signs of hydrocephalus.
- Teach folic acid prevention concept and long-term mobility/bladder/bowel support needs.
Complications
- Meningitis
- Hydrocephalus
- Paralysis
- Neurogenic bladder
- Skin breakdown
NCLEX cues
- Do not put diaper over open sac.
- Prone positioning before repair.
- Latex allergy risk is testable.
Memory hooks
- Protect the sac before everything routine.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Prenatal AFP/ultrasound
- Newborn neuro assessment
- Head circumference
- Renal/bladder testing when ordered
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.
Cross references
Related cards are generated from the shared study map, not hand-built per page.
Condition card for Spina bifida: recognize the testable cue, prevent the complication, and choose the safest first nursing action.
Folate teaching is preconception and early pregnancy teaching.
Education and risk discussion for inherited conditions, carrier status, testing, and family planning.
Sterile protection of open wounds, surgical sites, or exposed tissue.
General post-operative monitoring after repair or closure of a structural defect.
Shunt drains excess CSF from ventricles to the peritoneal cavity.