title: Neural tube defects: a primary prevention role for nurses.
abstract: Neural tube defects are among the most common and serious birth defects. Most of these defects are caused by multifactorial inheritance. Research over the past decade has led to advances in understanding the etiology of these congenital anomalies. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of first-time occurrence of neural tube defects as well as recurrent risk. Other genetic and environmental factors are under investigation. In this article, the nurse's role in the primary prevention of these birth defects is described.
authors.affiliation: Planned Parenthood of Austin, TX 78702, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Tinkle
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Sterling
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009773:Obstetric Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid