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Neural Tube Defects

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Nursing Care of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Patient

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Abstract

Neural tube defects (spina bifida) are congenital anomalies that result from incomplete closure of the neural tube in utero. This chapter discusses the pathophysiology, epidemiology, medical/surgical treatments, and nursing care for patients with open neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele as well as closed neural tube defects. Results from the MOMs trial, hydrocephalus, latex precautions, bowel and bladder continence, tethered cord syndrome, and cutaneous signs of spina bifida occulta are also discussed. Parent stories are included to give a perspective about what life with a child with spina bifida is like.

Shona Lens was the author of the original chapter and 2nd edition, but did not participate in this revision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Rehabilitative Services, District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA

    Mary L. Dexter BSN, RN

  2. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, MN, 55101, USA

    Teresa Schultz CNP, APRN

Authors
  1. Mary L. Dexter BSN, RN
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  2. Teresa Schultz CNP, APRN
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary L. Dexter BSN, RN .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Childrens Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

    Cathy C. Cartwright

  2. Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Banner Children Specialists at Cardon, Children’s Medical Center, Mesa, Arizona, USA

    Donna C. Wallace

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Dexter, M.L., Schultz, T. (2017). Neural Tube Defects. In: Cartwright, C., Wallace, D. (eds) Nursing Care of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Patient. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49319-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49319-0_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-49318-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-49319-0

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