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 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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. "This is expected because of the way iron is broken down during digestion."
The client's stools are black because of the iron supplements, which can cause a harmless change in the color and consistency of the stools. This is due to the oxidation of iron in the gastrointestinal tract, which produces a black pigment called ferrous sulfide. This is not a sign of bleeding or infection and does not require further evaluation or treatment. The nurse should reassure the client that this is a normal side effect of iron supplements and advise her to continue taking them as prescribed.
The other responses are not appropriate and may cause unnecessary anxiety or inconvenience for the client.
The nurse should not ask the client what else she has been eating, as this implies that her diet may be causing her stools to be black. This may confuse or offend the client, who may think that the nurse is questioning her nutritional choices or blaming her for her condition.
The nurse should not tell the client to go to the emergency room, as this suggests that her stools are black because of a serious problem that needs immediate atention. This may frighten or alarm the client, who may think that she or her baby are in danger.
d. The nurse should not tell the client to come to the office, as this indicates that her stools are black because of an abnormal finding that needs further investigation. This may worry or inconvenience the client, who may think that she has a complication or infection that requires testing or treatment.
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