Psychopharmacology: valproate: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychopharmacology: valproate

Sample item

Which counselling point is essential before prescribing valproate to a person who may become pregnant?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. It has major teratogenic risk

Valproate is associated with major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental harm; strict pregnancy-prevention guidance applies.

Option by option

  • A. It reliably prevents all seizures in pregnancy

    No drug guarantees seizure freedom.

  • B. It has no fetal effects

    Fetal risk is substantial.

  • C. It has major teratogenic risk (correct)

    Correct. Teratogenicity requires careful specialist counselling.

  • D. It is a contraceptive

    Valproate is not contraception.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, It has major teratogenic risk. Valproate is associated with major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental harm; strict pregnancy-prevention guidance applies.

Why is "It reliably prevents all seizures in pregnancy" not the answer?

No drug guarantees seizure freedom.

Why is "It has no fetal effects" not the answer?

Fetal risk is substantial.

Why is "It is a contraceptive" not the answer?

Valproate is not contraception.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopharmacology: valproate in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct. Teratogenicity requires careful specialist counselling.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychopharmacology: valproate?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.