A client who may become pregnant asks how to reduce the risk… | MyMerci
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Health Promotion/Disease Prevention HPM
Question

A client who may become pregnant asks how to reduce the risk for neural tube defects. Which teaching should the nurse provide?

Explanation
Folic acid taken before pregnancy and during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects, which can occur early before many people know they are pregnant. CDC recommends 400 mcg daily for people capable of becoming pregnant unless a provider prescribes a different dose. Waiting for ultrasound or symptoms is too late for primary prevention.
Next question on this topicA 6-month-old infant is brought to the well-child clinic for routine vaccinations. The par…

In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Preconception teaching matters because neural tube closure occurs very early in pregnancy.

Memory Tip
Folic acid works best before the positive test.

KR vs US
NCLEX health promotion items often test primary prevention before disease or complication occurs.

Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
CDC folic acid guidance states that 400 mcg daily before and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects.

Caution
Clients with prior neural tube defect pregnancy or certain medications may need provider-specific dosing.

Key concepts

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For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.