North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by eviscerated abdominal organs that are not covered by a sac?

1. Omphalocele

2. Gastroschisis

3. Meningocele

4. Meningomyelocele

The correct answer is: Gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is characterized by the presence of eviscerated abdominal organs that are exposed outside the body and are not covered by a protective sac. This condition arises during fetal development when the abdominal wall does not close properly, leading to a defect typically located to the right of the umbilicus. In gastroschisis, the organs, usually the intestines, are visible and directly exposed to the amniotic fluid, which can lead to complications such as inflammation or damage to the exposed organs. Surgical intervention is necessary after birth to reposition the organs and close the abdominal wall. In contrast, omphalocele involves the herniation of abdominal organs into the umbilical cord, which is covered by a protective sac, and the other options, meningocele and meningomyelocele, relate to defects of the spinal cord and surrounding structures rather than the abdominal wall. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the nature of various abdominal wall defects in prenatal and neonatal care.