Which element used to prevent pre-eclampsia?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Calcium supplementation during pregnancy is a proven strategy to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, particularly in women with low dietary calcium intake.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dose of 1.5–2.0 grams of elemental calcium, typically starting from 20 weeks of gestation until delivery.
This intervention helps maintain normal blood pressure and vascular function, counteracting some of the pathological processes that lead to pre-eclampsia.

Option A: Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida, and is not used for the prevention of pre-eclampsia.
Option C: Magnesium, specifically magnesium sulfate, is a treatment used to prevent seizures (eclampsia) in women who have already developed severe pre-eclampsia. It does not prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia itself.
Option D: Routine sodium restriction is not recommended during pregnancy and has not been shown to prevent pre-eclampsia. It can interfere with the necessary plasma volume expansion of pregnancy.

Visual 1: Infographic: A chart comparing the roles of Folic Acid, Calcium, and Iron during pregnancy, showing their primary purpose, recommended dosage, and timing.
Visual 2: Flowchart: A simple diagram illustrating the progression from normal pregnancy to pre-eclampsia and then to eclampsia, indicating where calcium (prevention) and magnesium sulfate (treatment) are used.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional prevention of pre-eclampsia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating pregnant women about the importance of dietary calcium and prescribed supplements to reduce pre-eclampsia risk.
Accurate assessment of blood pressure and proteinuria at each antenatal visit is critical for early detection of pre-eclampsia, as supplementation is a preventive, not curative, measure.
What if? If a patient presents with a blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg, severe headache, and visual disturbances, the priority shifts from prevention (calcium) to immediate management. The nurse should prepare for the administration of an antihypertensive and magnesium sulfate to prevent eclampsia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'prevent' and 'pre-eclampsia'. This signals the need to recall preventive strategies, not treatments for an established condition.
Second, evaluate each option based on its primary role in pregnancy.
Recall that Folic Acid's primary role is in preventing neural tube defects.
Remember that Calcium supplementation is linked to blood pressure regulation and reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Differentiate Magnesium's use as a treatment for severe pre-eclampsia (seizure prevention) from a preventive measure for the condition itself.
Recall that sodium restriction is generally not advised in pregnancy for preventing pre-eclampsia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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