North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of an omphalocele defect in newborns?

1. External organs covered by a sac

2. Internal organs with no sac

3. Spinal roots located externally in a sac

4. Deformed vertebrae with internal organs

The correct answer is: External organs covered by a sac

An omphalocele is a congenital defect characterized by the herniation of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall, typically at the umbilicus (navel). A key feature of omphalocele is that the protruding organs are covered by a membrane or sac, which consists of peritoneum and amniotic tissue. This protective covering distinguishes omphalocele from other similar conditions, such as gastroschisis, where the organs are exposed to the external environment due to a lack of this sac. The presence of the sac in omphalocele provides not only a degree of protection to the exposed organs but also helps surgeons assess the condition prior to potential surgical intervention. The membranes can be delicate and may require careful management. Therefore, recognizing the presence of this membranous covering is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical practice.