Which of the following is the best plan of action for a light-skinned woman of childbearing age living in the tropics and concerned about giving birth to a child with neural tube defects (NTDs)?
A) using a tanning booth to give her skin accelerated protection against the sun
B) taking vitamin D supplements
C) drinking plenty of fluids to boost her body's thermoregulation
D) doing nothing, since a woman's chance of giving birth to a child with NTDs is genetically determined
E) taking folic acid/folate supplements and protecting herself against the sun with sunscreen, clothing, and shelter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best plan of action for the woman is to take folic acid/folate supplements and protect herself against the sun with sunscreen, clothing, and shelter. Studies have shown that folic acid supplementation significantly decreases the risk of NTDs in newborn babies. Sunscreen, clothing, and shelter will also help protect the woman's skin from harmful UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Tanning booths should not be used as a means of sun protection, as they increase the risk of skin cancer. Drinking plenty of fluids may help with thermoregulation, but it will not directly affect the risk of NTDs. Genetics do play a role in the risk of NTDs, but folic acid supplementation is still recommended for all women of childbearing age.

Which of the Following Is the Best Plan of Action