Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Folic acid supplementation is recommended for women planning pregnancy primarily to?

1. Prevent renal agenesis

2. Prevent anencephaly

3. Prevent kidney defects

4. Prevent heart defects

The correct answer is: Prevent anencephaly

Folic acid supplementation is primarily recommended for women planning pregnancy to prevent anencephaly, a serious neural tube defect that affects the development of the brain and skull. Research has consistently demonstrated that adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida. Folic acid is critical for DNA synthesis and cell division, both of which are essential processes in early fetal development. While the other options, such as preventing renal agenesis, kidney defects, and heart defects, are important considerations in prenatal care, they are not the primary focus of folic acid supplementation. The strongest evidence and guidelines from health organizations explicitly highlight the role of folic acid in reducing the occurrence of anencephaly and other neural tube defects, making this the primary rationale for its use in women of childbearing age.