A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly hired nurse about anencephaly. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Anencephaly affects male fetuses more than female fetuses." Anencephaly occurs more frequently in female fetuses than in males. Studies suggest a slightly higher prevalence in female infants, though the exact reason is unclear. B. "Cancer during pregnancy is a risk factor for anencephaly." There is no known link between cancer during pregnancy and anencephaly. The primary risk factors include folic acid deficiency, maternal diabetes, and exposure to teratogens (e.g., certain medications, high temperatures, or environmental toxins). C. "These defects occur in the embryonic stage of pregnancy." Anencephaly is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs during the embryonic stage, specifically between weeks 3 and 4 of gestation. During this period, the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to incomplete development of the brain and skull. D. "Most newborns who have anencephaly survive 1 month." Anencephaly is almost always fatal, with most affected newborns dying within hours to days after birth. There is no cure, and long-term survival is extremely rare due to the severe brain malformation.