Fundamentals HESI Related

Review Fundamentals HESI related questions and content

A mother of a child with a neural tube defect asks the nurse what she can do to decrease the chances of having another baby with a neural tube defect. What is the best response by the nurse?

  • A. Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.
  • B. Multivitamin supplements are recommended during pregnancy.
  • C. A well-balanced diet promotes normal fetal development.
  • D. Increased dietary iron improves the health of mother and fetus.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.' Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Choice B is incorrect because while multivitamin supplements are beneficial during pregnancy, the specific focus for preventing neural tube defects is on folic acid. Choice C is a general statement about a well-balanced diet and does not specifically address neural tube defects. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on dietary iron, which is important for overall health but not specifically proven to prevent neural tube defects.