Spina bifida
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
OB / NewbornPediatricsNeuroMusculoskeletalhigh priorityneeds review
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.
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.