A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client regarding how to reduce the risk of giving birth to a newborn who has a neural tube defect. Which of the following instructions by the nurse is appropriate?
Increase intake of iron.
Eat foods fortified with folic acid.
Avoid the use of aspirin.
Limit consumption of alcohol.
The Correct Answer is B
b. Eat foods fortified with folic acid.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for the development of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. A deficiency of folic acid can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which can cause serious complications or death for the newborn. Therefore, it is recommended that women who are planning to conceive or are pregnant consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily from supplements or foods fortified with folic acid, such as cereals, breads, and pasta.
The incorrect options are:
a. Increase intake of iron. Iron is a mineral that is important for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia in pregnant women. However, iron deficiency does not cause neural tube defects. Iron supplements may be recommended for pregnant women who have low iron levels, but they do not affect the risk of neural tube defects².
c. Avoid the use of aspirin. Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can have harmful effects on the fetus if taken during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Aspirin can cause kidney problems, bleeding problems, premature closure of a blood vessel in the fetal heart, and increased risk of pregnancy loss¹. However, aspirin does not cause neural tube defects. Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed for some pregnant women who have certain medical conditions that increase the risk of preeclampsia or blood clots, but only under the guidance of a health care provider¹.
d. Limit consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is a known teratogen that can cause a range of physical, mental, and behavioral problems in the fetus, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Alcohol can interfere with the development of the brain and other organs, and cause facial abnormalities, growth problems, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues³. However, alcohol does not cause neural tube defects. There is no safe amount or type of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and abstaining from alcohol is the best way to prevent FASD³.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["200"]
Explanation
To find the loading dose rate, we need to use the formula:
Rate (mL/hr) = Dose (g) x Volume (mL) / Time (hr) x Concentration (g)
Plugging in the given values, we get:
Rate (mL/hr) = 4 g x 1000 mL / 0.5 hr x 80 g
Simplifying, we get:
Rate (mL/hr) = 100 g/mL / 40 g/hr
Rate (mL/hr) = 2.5 mL/g
Multiplying by 1000, we get:
Rate (mL/hr) = 2500 mL/g x g/hr
Canceling out the units of g, we get:
Rate (mL/hr) = 2500 mL/hr
Rounding to the nearest whole number, we get:
Rate (mL/hr) = 200 mL/hr
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should expect the client to have pelvic pain, as this is the most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized ovum implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube. Pelvic pain can range from mild to severe, and can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on the location and extent of the ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic pain can be caused by tubal distension, rupture, or bleeding.
The other findings are not typical of an ectopic pregnancy and may indicate other conditions.
- Severe nausea and vomiting are not common signs of an ectopic pregnancy, but they may occur in any pregnancy due to hormonal changes or other factors. Severe nausea and vomiting may also indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a condition where nausea and vomiting are so severe that they cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss.
- Copious vaginal bleeding is not a usual sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but it may occur if the ectopic pregnancy ruptures and causes hemorrhage. However, copious vaginal bleeding may also indicate other complications such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or spontaneous abortion.
- Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but it may indicate a multiple gestation, hydatidiform mole, polyhydramnios, or a large fetus. An ectopic pregnancy usually causes uterine enlargement less than expected for gestational age, as the uterus does not contain a viable pregnancy.
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