Which nutrient is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken by pregnant women?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Folic acid. Folic acid is essential for fetal development, especially in preventing neural tube defects. It aids in the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of these defects. Rationale for other choices: A: Vitamin C - While important for overall health, Vitamin C does not specifically reduce the risk of neural tube defects. B: Vitamin D - Important for bone health, but not directly linked to reducing neural tube defects. D: Iron - Necessary for preventing anemia during pregnancy, but not specifically known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To boost the immune system. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system by supporting the production and function of white blood cells. This helps the body fight off infections and illnesses. Administering Vitamin A to children can help prevent deficiencies and strengthen their immune response. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Vitamin D is more closely associated with improving bone health, not Vitamin A. C: Cognitive development is primarily influenced by nutrients like iron and omega-3 fatty acids, rather than Vitamin A. D: Anemia is usually prevented by iron supplementation, not Vitamin A.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sunken fontanelle. Dehydration in infants can cause the fontanelle, the soft spot on the baby's head, to appear sunken. This is due to decreased fluid levels in the body. Sunken fontanelle is a common and easily identifiable sign of dehydration in infants. The other choices are incorrect because frequent urination is not typically associated with dehydration in infants, excessive drooling can be a normal part of teething, and increased appetite is not a specific sign of dehydration in infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Folic acid. Folic acid is critical for preventing neural tube defects as it is essential for proper development of the neural tube in the fetus. It helps in the formation of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Iron (A) is important for preventing anemia, not neural tube defects. Calcium (B) is crucial for bone health but not directly related to neural tube development. Vitamin D (D) is important for calcium absorption, but not specifically for preventing neural tube defects. Overall, folic acid stands out as the most critical nutrient for this purpose.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 6 months. At this age, infants' digestive systems are more developed and ready for solid foods. Introducing solids too early (A) can lead to allergies and digestion issues. Waiting until 9 months (C) or 12 months (D) can delay important nutrients and increase the risk of iron deficiency. In summary, introducing solids at 6 months strikes the right balance between developmental readiness and nutritional needs for infants.