Question

A newborn's assessment reveals spina bifida occulta which maternal factor should the nurse identify as having the greatest impact on the development of this:

A) Maternal age
B) Maternal nutrition
C) Maternal smoking
D) Maternal folic acid deficiency

Answer 1

Maternal folic acid deficiency has the greatest impact on the development of spina bifida occulta, a birth defect in which the spinal cord does not completely close.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spina bifida occulta is a birth defect in which the spinal cord does not completely close, leading to the protrusion of spinal tissue through the vertebral column. One of the maternal factors that has the greatest impact on the development of this condition is maternal folic acid deficiency. Folate, a B vitamin, is essential for the healthy development of the neural tube, and a deficiency in maternal folate during early pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Taking a daily dose of folic acid during pregnancy can help reduce the incidence of these birth defects.