Spinal bifida, nursing management

Prevent infection: The primary goal is to protect the neural tube defect from contamination. This involves:

• Placing the infant in a prone position (on their stomach) to keep the defect from pressure and contamination.
• Covering the defect with a sterile, moist dressing (e.g., saline-soaked gauze) and then a sterile plastic wrap or bag to prevent drying and infection.
• Avoiding rectal temperatures or procedures that could introduce bacteria into the spinal canal.

Promote healing: If surgery is planned, the nurse will prepare the infant for the procedure and provide post-operative care, which includes:

• Maintaining the sterile dressing and monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection.
• Managing pain effectively.
• Ensuring proper positioning to avoid pressure on the surgical site.

Support the child and family: Spina bifida can have lifelong implications. Nursing care includes:

• Educating parents about the condition, treatment plan, and home care.
• Assisting with feeding and positioning to prevent complications like aspiration.
• Monitoring for and managing potential complications such as hydrocephalus (requiring a shunt), urinary tract infections (due to neurogenic bladder), and latex allergy.
• Providing emotional support and connecting families with resources and support groups.