The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old with spina bifida ...

[jman1234]

The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old with spina bifida cystica that was below the second lumbar vertebra. What clinical manifestations of spina bifida cystica below the second lumbar vertebra should the nurse expect to observe?
 
  (Select all that apply.)
  a. No motor impairment
  b. Lack of bowel control
  c. Soft, subcutaneous lipomas
  d. Flaccid, partial paralysis of lower extremities
  e. Overflow incontinence with constant dribbling of urine

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old child with a lower motor neuron syndrome. What clinical manifestations of a lower motor neuron syndrome should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Loss of hair
  b. Babinski reflex present
  c. Skin and tissue changes
  d. Marked atrophy of atonic muscle
  e. Hyperreflexia with tendon reflexes exaggerated

[phuda]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, D, E
The clinical manifestations of spina bifida cystica below the second lumbar vertebra include lack of bowel control, flaccid, partial paralysis of lower extremities, and overflow incontinence with constant dribbling of urine. No motor impairment occurs with spina bifida cystica that was below the third lumbar vertebra, and soft, subcutaneous lipomas occur with spina bifida occulta.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, D
Clinical manifestations of a lower motor neuron syndrome include loss of hair, skin and tissue changes, and marked atrophy of atonic muscle. Babinski reflex present and hyperreflexia with tendon reflexes exaggerated are manifestations of an upper motor neuron syndrome.