title: Bowel and bladder management of the child with myelomeningocele in the school setting.
abstract: Children with myelomeningocele have a variety of health and psychosocial needs that must be dealt with by the family, by health care providers, and by school staff. Bowel and bladder dysfunction are problems that are common in most of these children. Bladder dysfunction can lead to renal complications and, ultimately, may threaten the child's life. Bowel problems, including constipation and incontinence, can lead to medical complications and to severe social problems. This article discusses the pathophysiology of these problems and suggests nursing interventions, especially as they apply to children in the school setting.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications*; D012573:School Nursing; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*