A patient at a family planning clinic says that she is ...

[D2AR0N]

A patient at a family planning clinic says that she is considering getting pregnant, and she wants to know what she can do to help prepare her body for pregnancy. The nurse would be correct to provide information on and recommend that the patient take
 
  a. vitamin B6.
  b. folic acid.
  c. vitamin B12.
  d. vitamin C.

Question 2

The nurse reviews the medications of a patient taking folic acid. The nurse notes that the patient is concurrently taking vitamin B12. This concerns the nurse because of the fact that folic acid may
 
  a. cause fetal malformation.
  b. worsen megaloblastic anemia.
  c. mask the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.
  d. negatively affect potassium levels.

[allisonblackmore]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Folic acid should be taken prior to the actual pregnancy to protect against neural tube defects in the fetus, because these defects are caused by a folic acid deficiency. It is imperative that all women of reproductive age have adequate folate levels before pregnancy occurs.
Vitamins B6, B12, and C are not recommended as supplements during pregnancy except for a specific deficiency.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Folic acid can reverse the hematologic effects of vitamin B12 deficiency, but it can obscure the manifestation of this type of deficiency.
Folic acid does not cause fetal malformation; in fact, it can help prevent neural tube defects.
Folic acid does not worsen megaloblastic anemia.
Folic acid does not affect potassium levels.

[D2AR0N]

Thanks

[allisonblackmore]

Welcome