Problem
M.S. is a 26-year-old woman who is pregnant with her first child. Her husband accompanied her to all her prenatal visits. An ultrasound during a routine visit at 34 weeks' gestation revealed that the baby had hydrocephalus and a myelomeningocele. The parents were initially devastated but remained very excited about the birth of their first child. M.S. was scheduled for a cesarean section at 38 weeks' gestation, and the couple was anxious about their child's condition and care following birth.
M.S. delivered a baby boy by cesarean section; he was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. On admission to the nursery, the baby's vital signs and weight were within normal limits, but his head circumference was large. He had bulging fontanelles and a high-pitched cry. The nurse noted a saclike projection in the lumbar region of his spine.
Provide responses
I. Discuss the rationale for delivering the infant by cesarean section.
II. Discuss the significance of the infant's clinical manifestations.
III. Discuss the acute and long-term treatment strategies for the infant.
IV. Discuss the complications associated with myelomeningocele.