which nutrient is most important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects

ATI RN

ATI Nutrition Practice A

1. Which nutrient is most important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects?

A. Iron
B. Folate
C. Calcium
D. Vitamin D

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Folate (or folic acid) is crucial for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy.

2. A client with cirrhosis and ascites is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Decrease the client's fluid intake.
B. Increase the client's saturated fat intake.
C. Increase the client's sodium intake.
D. Decrease the client's carbohydrate intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, decreasing carbohydrate intake is essential as it helps reduce the production of ascitic fluid. Excess carbohydrates can lead to fluid retention. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Decreasing fluid intake can worsen dehydration, increasing saturated fat intake is not recommended due to its impact on liver health, and increasing sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate ascites in these clients.

3. Men generally have a higher RDA than women, except during pregnancy and lactation when women’s nutritional needs increase significantly.

A. TRUE
B. FALSE
C.
D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement is TRUE. Men typically require a higher Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) than women due to physiological differences. However, during pregnancy and lactation, women's nutritional needs increase significantly to support the growth and development of the baby. Therefore, during these stages, women may require a higher RDA compared to men. This exception is crucial to consider when evaluating nutritional requirements based on gender.

4. Which vitamin is primarily obtained from sunlight exposure?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. This process allows the body to produce Vitamin D naturally. Vitamin A (Choice A) is found in foods like liver and carrots and is not primarily obtained from sunlight. Vitamin C (Choice B) is commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E (Choice D) is present in foods like nuts and seeds and is not primarily obtained from sunlight.

5. What activities best describe the work of the placenta during pregnancy?

A. surrounding and cushioning the fetus
B. combining maternal and fetal blood stores to exchange nutrients
C. producing hormones that maintain the pregnancy
D. absorbing vitamins and minerals that can be transferred to the fetus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The placenta plays a crucial role in producing hormones that are necessary for maintaining pregnancy, supporting fetal development, and preparing the mother's body for childbirth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the placenta's primary function is not to surround and cushion the fetus, combine blood stores for nutrient exchange, or absorb vitamins and minerals. While the placenta does facilitate the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus, its hormone production is the most critical function during pregnancy.