Final answer:
A prenatal nurse recommends folic acid supplements to a pregnant client to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prenatal nurse recommends folic acid supplements to a client who is pregnant.
Folic acid, a type of vitamin B9, is crucial for the healthy development of the neural tube in a developing fetus. A deficiency of folate during the early stages of pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. To reduce the risk of these birth defects, it is recommended that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods.