The nurse is providing preconception counseling.
Which supplement should the nurse recommend to help prevent the occurrence of anencephaly?
Iron.
Calcium.
Vitamin D.
Folic acid.
Folic acid.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Iron is essential for preventing anemia, particularly in pregnant women, but it does not prevent neural tube defects like anencephaly. Iron supports overall maternal and fetal health but is not specific to preventing congenital anomalies.
Choice B rationale
Calcium is crucial for fetal bone development and maternal bone health, but it does not play a role in preventing anencephaly. Adequate calcium intake is important during pregnancy but is not linked to neural tube defect prevention.
Choice C rationale
Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function but does not prevent neural tube defects. Sufficient vitamin D levels are necessary for the mother's and baby's health but are not related to anencephaly prevention.
Choice D rationale
Folic acid is the correct choice as it has been shown to prevent neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida. It is recommended that women of childbearing age take folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of these congenital anomalies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1500"]
Explanation
Step 1 is. (500 mL ÷ 20 min) × 60 min/hr = 1500 mL/hr. Answer: 1500 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While increasing protein intake is beneficial for overall health and pregnancy, it is not the primary factor that affects hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. These levels are more directly influenced by iron intake and the physiological changes during pregnancy. Protein intake is important for fetal growth and development, but it does not significantly alter the concentration of hemoglobin or hematocrit in the blood.
Choice B rationale
During pregnancy, plasma volume increases by approximately 50%, leading to hemodilution. This means that even though the total number of red blood cells increases, the concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit appears lower due to the larger volume of plasma. This physiological change helps meet the increased oxygen demands of both the mother and the growing fetus and is a normal part of pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Taking an iron supplement can help improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, especially if a pregnant woman has iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. However, not all pregnant women with lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels need to take iron supplements, as these values can be within the expected range for pregnancy. The decision to supplement should be based on individual assessment by a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Not all women at 28 weeks gestation have anemia. While it is common for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to be lower during pregnancy due to increased plasma volume, it does not mean that all pregnant women are anemic. Anemia is diagnosed based on specific thresholds for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and the values mentioned (hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL and hematocrit 32%) are borderline and may not necessarily indicate anemia.
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