Maternity HESI Test Bank Related

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What maternal factor should the nurse identify as having the greatest impact on the development of spina bifida occulta in a newborn?

  • A. Short interval between pregnancies
  • B. Folic acid deficiency
  • C. Preeclampsia
  • D. Tobacco use
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a well-known risk factor for neural tube defects, including spina bifida occulta, making supplementation critical in prenatal care. Folic acid plays a crucial role in neural tube formation during early pregnancy. Short intervals between pregnancies do not directly impact the development of spina bifida occulta. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and is not directly linked to spina bifida occulta. While tobacco use during pregnancy has various adverse effects, it is not the primary factor influencing the development of spina bifida occulta in newborns.