The nurse is preparing to admit a newborn with myelomeningocele to the neonatal intensive care nursery. Which describes this newborn's defect?
A) Fissure in the spinal column that leaves the meninges and the spinal cord exposed
B) Herniation of the brain and meninges through a defect in the skull
C) Hernial protrusion of a saclike cyst of meninges with spinal fluid but no neural elements
D) Visible defect with an external saclike protrusion containing meninges, spinal fluid, and nerves

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A myelomeningocele is a visible defect with an external saclike protrusion, containing meninges, spinal fluid, and nerves. Rachischisis is a fissure in the spinal column that leaves the meninges and the spinal cord exposed. Encephalocele is a herniation of brain and meninges through a defect in the skull, producing a fluid-filled sac. Meningocele is a hernial protrusion of a saclike cyst of meninges with spinal fluid, but no neural elements.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Admit a Newborn with Myelomeningocele