__________ is the herniation of abdominal viscera through the abdominal wall at the point of junction of umbilical cord and abdomen.

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Explanation

Omphalocele is a congenital defect where abdominal contents herniate through the umbilical ring at the base of the umbilical cord.
The herniated organs (e.g., intestines, liver) are contained within a sac composed of peritoneum and amnion.
The umbilical cord inserts into the apex of this sac, which is a key distinguishing feature.
This condition is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including chromosomal and cardiac defects.

Option A: Meningocele is a neural tube defect involving the protrusion of meninges and cerebrospinal fluid through a defect in the vertebral column, not a herniation of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall.
Option B: Myelomeningocele is a severe neural tube defect where the protruding sac contains meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, and spinal cord elements. It is a defect of the spine, not the abdomen.
Option D: Spina bifida is a broad term for a category of birth defects affecting the spine. It does not describe the specific abdominal wall defect mentioned in the question. Meningocele and myelomeningocele are types of spina bifida.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital abdominal wall defects as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Immediate post-birth nursing care is critical for infants with omphalocele to prevent hypothermia, dehydration, and infection.
Protecting the integrity of the sac is the top priority. Rupture of the sac is a surgical emergency.
Nurses must be prepared for a complex patient who may have other associated anomalies, requiring comprehensive assessment and monitoring.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'herniation,' 'abdominal viscera,' and 'junction of umbilical cord and abdomen.'
Analyze the anatomical location described. The defect is at the point of the umbilical cord, which is a central location on the abdomen.
Evaluate the options based on their definitions. Recognize that 'Meningocele,' 'Myelomeningocele,' and 'Spina bifida' all relate to defects of the spinal column (neural tube defects).
This process of elimination leaves 'Omphalocele,' which specifically describes a herniation of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring.
Confirm the choice by recalling that an omphalocele involves a sac covering the organs at the base of the umbilicus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QXmc-PtQTYZXzfDDCxpx1N

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1142-1144

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 757-759

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.