Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A nurse is teaching clients in a prenatal class about the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the clients to consume an adequate amount of folic acid from various sources to prevent which of the following fetal abnormalities?

  • A. Neural tube defect
  • B. Trisomy 21
  • C. Cleft lip
  • D. Atrial septal defect
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neural tube defect. Folic acid is essential for proper neural tube development in the fetus, preventing abnormalities like spina bifida. Consuming an adequate amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Trisomy 21 (choice B) is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, not influenced by folic acid intake. Cleft lip (choice C) and atrial septal defect (choice D) have multifactorial causes and are not directly prevented by folic acid consumption.