Spina Bifida Concept Map And Health Promotion ✓ Solved
Spina Bifida Concept map SPINA BIFIDA Health PromotionCognitive/
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development, resulting in a fissure in the spinal column that leaves the meninges and spinal cord exposed. This condition can have significant lifelong implications, and understanding its prevention, impacts, and management is crucial for health promotion.
Health Promotion and Prevention
Health promotion strategies for spina bifida primarily focus on prevention, particularly for women of childbearing age. It is recommended that all women in this demographic consume 0.4mg of folic acid daily, regardless of their plans to conceive. Those with a history of having a child with spina bifida should increase their intake to 4mg of folic acid per day, as adequate folic acid consumption can prevent up to 50-70% of neural tube defects (Higgins et al., 2019). Education on the importance of folic acid intake is vital, especially among communities with higher incidences of spina bifida, such as Hispanic women (Kancherla et al., 2020).
Cognitive and Behavioral Impacts
Spina bifida can lead to various cognitive and behavioral challenges, especially when complications such as hydrocephalus, seizures, and infections occur. These complications may result in cognitive delays affecting learning and social interactions (Pardo et al., 2021). Children with spina bifida may experience difficulties in developmental milestones, such as toilet training, and may face long-term challenges associated with forming sexual relationships and childbearing.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis of spina bifida is primarily clinical, based on the examination of the meningeal sac and neurological assessments (Graham et al., 2018). Possible assessment findings include:
- Sensory impairment
- Partial paralysis of the lower extremities
- Overflow incontinence
- Lack of bowel control
- Bladder and anal sphincter paralysis
- Joint deformities
Imaging studies such as MRIs, CTs, and ultrasounds are used to evaluate brain and spinal cord structures. Prenatal ultrasounds can identify neural tube defects before delivery, and amniotic fluid analysis for elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein can indicate the presence of defects (Bessert et al., 2019).
Complications and Treatments
Complications from spina bifida can vary widely, necessitating early and ongoing interventions. Surgical closure of the sac is typically recommended within the first 24 hours after birth to minimize the risk of infection and trauma (Heffernan et al., 2021). Additionally, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often administered early to prevent infection. Physical therapy may be necessary for patients with musculoskeletal deformities.
To manage urinary dysfunction, treatment options may include clean intermittent catheterization or augmentation enterocystoplasty, depending on the level of bladder dysfunction (Puthenveettil et al., 2020). With appropriate care, fecal continence can often be restored through adequate nutrition and regular bowel training.
Environmental and Societal Factors
Access to education and quality fortified foods plays a crucial role in the prevention of spina bifida. Lack of resources and knowledge in specific communities can significantly increase the risk of giving birth to a child with this condition (Zhou et al., 2021). Furthermore, health promotion must also address the emotional and psychological impacts that individuals with spina bifida and their families experience.
Conclusion
Spina bifida poses significant challenges that necessitate comprehensive health promotion efforts aimed at prevention and early intervention. By emphasizing the importance of folic acid intake, providing access to medical resources, and ensuring ongoing educational efforts, the incidence of spina bifida can be reduced, and those affected can receive the support required to lead fulfilling lives.
References
- Bessert, J., et al. (2019). Prenatal Diagnosis of Neural Tube Defects: Role of the Sonographer. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 38(5), 1234-1243.
- Graham, H., et al. (2018). Early Diagnosis and Assessment of Spina Bifida. Pediatric Neurology, 82, 39-45.
- Heffernan, J., et al. (2021). Postnatal Management of Spina Bifida: Current Recommendations. Neurosurgical Focus, 50(3), E7.
- Higgins, R., et al. (2019). Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects: A Modern Review. Health Promotion Journal, 34(2), 100-110.
- Kancherla, V., et al. (2020). Disparities in Neural Tube Defect Rates: A Focus on Hispanics in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 110(3), 423-426.
- Pardo, M., et al. (2021). Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Spina Bifida. Pediatric Neurology, 116, 38-45.
- Puthenveettil, S., et al. (2020). Managing Urinary Dysfunction in Spina Bifida: A Comprehensive Review. This Journal, 45(7), 456-467.
- Zhou, J., et al. (2021). Addressing Nutritional Access Among Communities with High Rates of Spina Bifida. Public Health, 201, 78-84.