A pregnant patient is at 24 weeks gestation and reports feeling nauseous after eating. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid greasy foods. This recommendation helps manage nausea during pregnancy by preventing the stomach from becoming too full, which can exacerbate symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents hunger, which can trigger nausea. Avoiding greasy foods reduces the likelihood of indigestion and discomfort.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Instructing the patient to take over-the-counter anti-nausea medications may not be suitable during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider due to potential risks to the fetus.
C: Recommending the patient to rest in bed may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of nausea and may not be practical for managing symptoms throughout the day.
D: Advising the patient to reduce fluid intake may lead to dehydration, which is particularly concerning during pregnancy. Adequate hydration is important for both the mother and the developing fetus.