The father of a newborn infant with myelomeningocele asks about the cause of this condition.What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
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 no definitive cause identified."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The etiology of most neural tube defects is unknown in most cases.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 may be a genetic predisposition,but no pattern has been identified.Folic acid deficiency in the mother has been linked to neural tube defect.There is no evidence that children who have parents with spinal problems are at greater risk for neural tube defects.

The Father of a Newborn Infant with Myelomeningocele Asks About