EDAPT HIGH-RISK-NEWBORN- CONGENITAL CONDITIONS
Congenital anomalies comprise a wide range of abnormalities of body structure or function that are present at
birth and are of prenatal origin. For efficiency and practicality, the focus is on major structural anomalies.
These are defined as structural changes that have significant medical, social, or cosmetic consequences for the
affected individual and typically require medical intervention. Examples include cleft lip, cleft palate, and spina
bifida.
Women are advised to take 400 mcg of folic acid daily before they get pregnant and during pregnancy to
prevent which congenital anomaly?
Folate is important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material, and necessary for cells to
divide. It is particularly important to get enough folate during pregnancy. Folate deficiency during pregnancy
can lead to neural tube irregularities, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Consumption of folic acid will not impact respiratory, blood, or learning disorders.
Which factor greatly increases the risk of an abnormal number of chromosomes in the fetus?
MATERNAL AGE
Women 35 and older have a greater risk of having a child with chromosome problems. This is especially true
for trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. Chromosomal problems are usually not impacted by paternal
age, smoking, or diet.
The nurse is teaching a preconception class and sharing possible causes for congenital anomalies. Which
causes of congenital anomalies should be included? Select all that apply.
Genetics
Pesticides
Infections
Low income
Maternal age
Drug use
Congenital anomalies can be caused by many things, along with sometimes not knowing the cause. Examples
include genetics, low income (lack of money for food/low vitamin intake/low folic acid), drug use, pesticides,
and infections (exposure to cat litter, virus). Maternal age has been linked with Down syndrome.