A nurse is providing education to a client during her first prenatal visit.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching to decrease the risk of preterm labor?

Choice A rationale

Increasing folic acid intake immediately is recommended because it helps prevent neural tube defects, which can occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.

Choice B rationale

Starting folic acid intake one week before her period is not sufficient. Folic acid needs to be taken consistently before conception and during early pregnancy to be effective.

Choice C rationale

Waiting until pregnancy is confirmed may be too late to prevent neural tube defects, which form in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale

If she misses her period, it might already be too late to prevent neural tube defects. Consistent intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy is essential.

Choice A rationale

Analysis of serum for tetanus antibodies is not an immediate action in acute injury scenarios. The priority is to provide immediate passive immunity.

Choice B rationale

Administration of tetanus immune globulin provides immediate passive immunity. This is crucial to prevent tetanus infection since the client has not been immunized since infancy.

Choice C rationale

Inducing labor to avoid tetanus in the fetus is not a recommended action. The focus should be on providing immediate protection to the mother to prevent infection.

Choice D rationale

Administration of tetanus immune globulin after delivery delays necessary immediate protection. The risk of tetanus infection is immediate, so prompt administration is required.