A client at 26 weeks gestation is in the office after being discharged from the hospital for preterm contractions. She states that she no longer is having contractions but is really having trouble with heartburn and reflux. Which is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Avoid foods that contain a lot of fat. This is the best response because fatty foods can worsen heartburn and reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. By avoiding high-fat foods, the client can reduce the likelihood of experiencing heartburn and reflux symptoms.
Rationale:
1. High-fat foods can delay stomach emptying, causing food to stay longer in the stomach, increasing the risk of reflux.
2. Fatty foods can trigger the production of more stomach acid, exacerbating heartburn and reflux.
3. Avoiding high-fat foods can help decrease pressure on the stomach, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
4. Other options (A, B, C) do not address the root cause of heartburn and reflux associated with high-fat foods.
In summary, choosing option D to avoid high-fat foods is the most appropriate response to help alleviate the client's heartburn and reflux symptoms during pregnancy.