A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 28 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is the nurse's priority teaching for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor blood glucose levels regularly and follow a balanced diet. This is the priority teaching for a pregnant patient with gestational diabetes because it focuses on managing blood sugar levels effectively. Regular monitoring helps the patient understand how their body responds to different foods and activities. Following a balanced diet helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and provides essential nutrients for the baby's development.
A: Encouraging vigorous exercise may not be safe during pregnancy, especially for a patient with gestational diabetes.
C: Limiting fluid intake is not a priority teaching for gestational diabetes and may lead to dehydration, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
D: Recommending insulin therapy immediately is not the first-line treatment for gestational diabetes. Lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise are usually tried first.