The client asks about nutritional needs before and during pregnancy. The nurse responds by telling the client she should increase her intake of which of the following food groups in order to meet the requirements for folic acid?

Question

1. Meats, fish, and poultry
2. A mix of vegetables and fiber
3. Oranges and green leafy vegetables
4. Foods containing low fat and high protein

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Protein sources are important for overall health but do not increase intake of folic acid.
Rationale 2: Folic acid is important to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. The neural tube defect occurs in the first few weeks of fetal development. Folic-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, oranges, and dried beans. Clients should also be encouraged to take a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid. Vegetables in general and fiber are important for overall health but do not increase intake of folic acid.
Rationale 3: Folic acid is important to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. The neural tube defect occurs in the first few weeks of fetal development. Folic-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, oranges, and dried beans.
Rationale 4: Protein sources and low-fat foods are important for overall health but do not increase intake of folic acid.