A nurse is teaching about crib safety with the parent of a newborn.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?.

The correct answer is choice D. Chronic alcohol use.

Choice A rationale:

Active herpes simplex infection during pregnancy can lead to neonatal herpes, which is a serious condition, but it does not cause the symptoms described.

Choice B rationale:

Chronic cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and low birth weight, but it does not typically result in the specific symptoms described.

Choice C rationale:

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, which can cause a range of symptoms, but not the specific ones described.

Choice D rationale:

Chronic alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which includes slow growth, cognitive and intellectual deficits, and the facial abnormalities described.

The correct answer is choice C.

Choice A rationale:

While Vitamin E is important for many bodily functions, it is not the primary supplement recommended to prevent neural tube defects.

Choice B rationale:

Calcium is crucial for bone health, but it does not play a direct role in preventing neural tube defects.

Choice C rationale:

Folic acid is recommended for all people capable of becoming pregnant to consume 400 micrograms (mcg) daily to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs)3.

Choice D rationale:

Iron is important for preventing anemia, especially during pregnancy, but it does not prevent neural tube defects.