A nurse is caring for an infant who has a tracheoesophageal fistula. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

Choice A: Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. This can cause an enlarged head, developmental delays, and other neurological impairments. While hydrocephalus can be associated with neural tube defects, it is not itself a neural tube defect. It can occur as a secondary condition to neural tube defects like spina bifida, but it is not classified as one.

Choice B: Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth. Cerebral palsy is not a neural tube defect; it is a result of brain injury or malformation during brain development. Neural tube defects specifically refer to abnormalities in the development of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord.

Choice C: Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. It is caused by mutations in genes responsible for muscle function. Muscular dystrophy is not related to neural tube defects; it is a separate category of genetic disorders affecting muscle tissue rather than the neural tube.

Choice D: Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It is one of the most common neural tube defects and can lead to physical and neurological impairments. Spina bifida can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the spinal cord involvement. It is a direct result of the neural tube failing to close completely during early embryonic development.

Choice A Reason:

Impetigo contagiosa is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that primarily affects children. It typically presents as reddish sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, which quickly rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a honey-colored crust. While impetigo can cause itching, it does not produce silver specks that resemble dandruff or cause persistent scratching at the nape of the neck.

Choice B Reason:

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It presents as small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. Folliculitis can cause itching and discomfort, but it does not typically produce silver specks that resemble dandruff. The symptoms are more likely to include clusters of small red bumps or pus-filled blisters rather than dandruff-like specks.

Choice C Reason:

Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection of the scalp. It can cause patches of hair loss, dry scaly rashes, severe itchiness, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. While tinea capitis can cause flaking that resembles dandruff, it does not typically present with silver specks that do not brush off. The primary symptoms are more likely to include red, inflamed patches and hair loss.

Choice D Reason:

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice infestation, is characterized by the presence of lice and their eggs (nits) on the scalp and hair. The nits are often mistaken for dandruff but do not brush off easily. The primary symptoms include intense itching, especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears, and the presence of small, white or silver specks (nits) attached to the hair shafts. This matches the description provided in the question, making pediculosis capitis the most likely diagnosis.