Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The condition characterized by the protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia near the navel is known as omphalocele. In this congenital defect, the abdominal contents, including the intestines and other organs, are covered by a thin membrane and protrude at the umbilical site: the area around the navel. This occurs due to a failure of the abdominal wall to close completely during fetal development.

Omphalocele is distinctly identified by its location and the presence of a protective membrane, which differentiates it from other types of hernias. In contrast, gastroschisis, while also involving abdominal contents spilling outside the abdomen, does so without this protective covering and occurs to the side of the umbilicus rather than at the center. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia involves a defect in the diaphragm allowing abdominal contents to move into the thoracic cavity, while patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition unrelated to herniation or the abdomen.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and managing these congenital conditions effectively.