The parents of a neonate with a meningocele ask what they can expect. Which is the nursbest response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: No neurological dysfunction post-surgery is best for meningocele, per neurosurgery texts. Lacking nerve involvement, outcomare good. Delay , deficits , and continence issufit myelomeningocele. As accuracy makes itthe correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Filum terminale . The filum terminale is a slender, thread-like extension of the pia mater that descends from the conus medullaris (the tapered end of the spinal cord) and anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx, providing longitudinal stability. Choice A, Denticulate ligament, is incorrect because these are lateral extensions of the pia mater that anchor the spinal cord to the dura mater along its sides, not to the coccyx. Choice C, Cauda equina, refers to the bundle of spinal nerve roots below the conus medullaris and donot anchor the spinal cord. Choice D, Conus medullaris, is the terminal end of the spinal cord itself, not an anchoring structure. Thus, Filum terminale is the specific structure that tethers the spinal cord to the coccyx, confirming B as the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The denticulate ligaments are thickening of the dura mater . The denticulate ligaments are extensions of the pia mater, not the dura mater, and they anchor the spinal cord to the dura. Choice A is correct as the pia mater adhertightly to the spinal cord. Choice C is true because the arachnoid mater libeneath and linthe inner surface of the dura mater. Choice D is accurate since the pia mater extends as the filum terminale to anchor the spinal cord to the coccyx. Thus, B misattributthe denticulate ligaments to the dura instead of the pia, making it the incorrect statement and the correct answer for this question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Denticulate ligaments are lateral extensions of the arachnoid mater , which is false. Denticulate ligaments are extensions of the pia mater, not arachnoid, anchoring the spinal cord to the dura. Choice A is true (sympathetic neurons are in the lateral horn, T1-L2). Choice B is correct (spinal cord ends at L1-L2 in adults). Choice D is accurate (31 segments: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal). Thus, C misattributthe denticulate ligaments to the arachnoid instead of the pia, making it the false statement and the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Posterolateral direction . Disc herniation most commonly occurs posterolaterally because the posterior longitudinal ligament, which reinforcthe disc posteriorly, is narrower and weaker laterally, allowing the nucleus pulposus to protrude toward the sidof the spinal canal, often compressing nerve roots. Choice A, Posteromedial, is less common due to the ligaments central strength. Choice B, Anteromedial, is rare as the anterior longitudinal ligament prevents anterior herniation. Choice C, Superior, is incorrect as herniations dont typically project upward. Thus, Posterolateral is the most frequent direction, making D the correct answer.