Question

Assertion (A): Ferrous sulphate should not be given to pregnant women who are at high risk of PIH.

Reason (R): Ferrous sulphate increases free radicals which induce serum lipid peroxide formation.

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is true but R is false.
• D. A is false but R is true.

Hint:

Think about how oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation connect iron supplements to pre-eclampsia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This question links a biochemical fact about iron to a specific caution in pregnancy care. Let's check the options.

1. Both true, R explains A: Free iron drives reactions that create reactive oxygen species, and these damage fats in cell membranes, forming lipid peroxides. Since oxidative damage to blood vessel linings is part of how pre-eclampsia and PIH develop, adding more of this stress through iron supplements in a woman already at high risk is exactly why ferrous sulphate is used with caution in this group. This option fits.
2. Both true, R does not explain A: This does not fit, because the free radical mechanism is precisely the link between iron and the caution advised in PIH risk.
3. A true, R false: This fails since the free radical and lipid peroxide claim is an accepted biochemical fact, not a false one.
4. A false, R true: This fails since the caution against routine ferrous sulphate in this high risk group is a real, recognized concern.

The chain of reasoning runs from iron, to free radicals, to lipid peroxidation, to added vascular stress in a woman whose body is already leaning toward pre-eclampsia. That chain is what justifies caution with iron in this setting.

Let's summarize:

• Ferrous sulphate generates free radicals that cause lipid peroxidation.
• This overlaps with the oxidative stress seen in PIH, so it is used carefully in women at high risk of it.

So both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.