Achieving continence in children with neurogenic bowel and bladder.

Bowel and bladder continence is a major developmental accomplishment for a child and his or her family. Children with neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction, which occurs with myelomeningocele and other neural tube defects, have a physical inability to attain continence. However, children with these limitations can attain continence when the appropriate modifications to the traditional routines are made. Enabling the child to attain continence improves parental relationships and self-concept. The nurse who is working with children with myelomeningocele in schools, clinics, private offices, and home health care settings can play a vital role in helping a child with a neural tube defect achieve continence.