Bihar CHO - 2021: Which nutrient or vitamin supplement during pregnancy can reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defect (NTD) in the…

Bihar CHO - 2021

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

Folic acid (a B vitamin) is crucial for the proper closure of the neural tube in the early weeks of fetal development (3-4 weeks post-gestation).
Inadequate folate levels are a well-established risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord) and anencephaly (absence of a major portion of the brain).
Supplementation is most effective when started at least one month before conception and continued through the first 12 weeks of gestation, which is the critical period for neural tube formation.
Due to its proven effectiveness, daily folic acid supplementation is a standard public health recommendation for all women of childbearing potential.

Option A: Calcium is essential for fetal skeletal development (bones and teeth) and maintaining maternal bone health, but it has no role in the closure of the neural tube.
Option B: Magnesium is a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions and supports maternal muscle and nerve function. It is not involved in the prevention of NTDs.
Option C: Iron is vital for hemoglobin synthesis to support the expanded maternal blood volume and provide oxygen to the fetus. Its primary role is to prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional supplementation in pregnancy for neural tube defect (NTD) prevention as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in preconception and antenatal counseling, educating all women of childbearing age about the critical importance of daily folic acid intake, as many pregnancies are unplanned.
A key nursing responsibility is to assess for high-risk factors (e.g., a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD, maternal diabetes, use of anti-epileptic drugs like valproate) that necessitate a higher prescription dose of folic acid (4 mg/day).
Patient education should include both supplementation and dietary sources of folate, such as fortified grains, leafy greens, and legumes, to ensure adequate intake.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'nutrient/vitamin', 'pregnancy', and 'reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defect (NTD)'.
The question asks for a specific preventative measure for a specific condition.
This is a direct factual recall question, a cornerstone of antenatal care knowledge.
Systematically review the options and recall the primary function of each during pregnancy.
Calcium is for bones. Iron is for blood (anemia). Magnesium has roles in muscle function and is used therapeutically for preeclampsia.
Recall that Folic Acid is uniquely and directly linked to the prevention of neural tube defects.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Nutritional supplementation in pregnancy for neural tube defect (NTD) prevention
Stem keywords: nutrient, vitamin supplement, pregnancy, Neural Tube Defect, NTD, fetus
Lead-in keywords: Which

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