Hernia protrusion of sac-like cyst of meninges filled with spinal fluid is known as?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The question describes a herniated sac containing only meninges and spinal fluid, which is the precise definition of a meningocele.
In a meningocele, the spinal cord and nerve roots remain in their normal position within the spinal canal and are not part of the protrusion.
This distinction is critical because the absence of neural tissue in the sac generally leads to a better prognosis with little to no neurological deficit compared to other forms of spina bifida cystica.

Option A: Rachischisis is the most severe form of spina bifida where the neural folds fail to fuse, leaving the spinal cord completely exposed without any covering sac.
Option B: Meningomyelocele involves a sac that contains not only meninges and CSF but also a portion of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Option C: An encephalocele is a herniation of meninges and brain tissue through a defect in the skull, not the spinal column.

Visual 1: Diagram - A cross-sectional illustration comparing a normal vertebra, a meningocele (showing the sac with meninges/CSF), and a myelomeningocele (showing the spinal cord within the sac). This visual helps clarify the key anatomical differences.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Neural Tube Defects as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary responsibility for a newborn with a meningocele is to protect the exposed sac from injury, rupture, and infection until surgical correction can be performed.
Accurate identification is crucial for anticipating the level of care; a meningocele requires meticulous sac care, while a myelomeningocele also involves managing profound neurological deficits from birth.
What if the sac also contained nerve roots? The diagnosis would change to myelomeningocele, indicating a much more severe condition. The nurse would anticipate immediate and long-term complications like lower limb paralysis, and bowel and bladder incontinence.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'hernia', 'sac-like cyst', 'meninges', and 'spinal fluid'. This describes the contents of the protrusion.
Next, break down the medical terminology in the options. The suffix '-cele' means hernia or swelling.
The prefix 'Meningo-' refers to the meninges.
The prefix 'Myelo-' refers to the spinal cord.
The prefix 'Encephalo-' refers to the brain.
Combine the prefixes and suffix: 'Meningocele' literally means a hernia of the meninges. This perfectly matches the question's description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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