What is the most appropriate nursing response to the father of a newborn infant with myelomeningocele who asks about the cause of this condition?
A) "One of the parents carries a defective gene that causes myelomeningocele."
B) "A deficiency in folic acid in the father is the most likely cause."
C) "Offspring of parents who have a spinal abnormality are at greater risk for myelomeningocele."
D) "There may be a variety of different causes."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The etiology of most neural tube defects is likely multifactorial.There may be a genetic predisposition or a viral origin,and the disorder has been linked to maternal folic acid deficiency; however,the actual cause has not been determined.There is no evidence that children who have parents with spinal problems are at greater risk for neural tube defects.

What Is the Most Appropriate Nursing Response to the Father