A infant is checked in the delivery room immediately after a 38-year-old lady gives birth vaginally. Bipolar disorder and persistent hypertension affected the mother's pregnancy, which was worsened by sporadic prenatal care. The mother's interview displays forced and disjointed discourse. "I take my prescribed medications when I remember," she says, adding, "I have an excellent memory, and I took the meds the majority of the time throughout the pregnancy." She admits to smoking cigarettes on occasion, but changes the subject when asked if she took any other substances while pregnant. The infant has a nondysmorphic face and a mass covering the lower spine that is covered by a patch of hair, according to an examination. Which of the following maternal interventions could have most likely prevented this neonate's abnormalities?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Neural tube abnormalities occur when the neural tube fails to close at 4 weeks gestation (NTDs). The use of valproate during the first trimester is a substantial risk factor for NTDs, however periconceptional folate (vitamin B₉) supplementation lowers this risk.

A Infant Is Checked in the Delivery Room Immediately After