# A client planning pregnancy asks how to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Which teaching is most appropriate?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396615&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention  
> category: HPM

## Question

A client planning pregnancy asks how to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Which teaching is most appropriate?

## Option

1. Avoid all carbohydrates during the first trimester.
2. Begin prenatal care only after fetal movement is felt.
3. Take folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy as recommended. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Stop all prescribed medications without discussing them.

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Waiting until fetal movement is too late for early neural tube development. Medication changes should be discussed with a provider.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Preconception folic acid teaching.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Preconception folic acid teaching, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Folic Acid** — A B vitamin important for neural tube development.
- **Neural Tube Defect** — A congenital defect involving early development of the brain or spinal cord.
- **Preconception Care** — Health care and counseling before pregnancy to reduce risks.

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