A pregnant patient reports nausea and vomiting and asks the nurse about ways to manage these symptoms. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid foods with strong smells and eat small, frequent meals. This suggestion is appropriate as it helps manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Avoiding strong smells can reduce triggers for nausea, and eating small, frequent meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. This approach prevents the stomach from becoming too full or too empty, which can trigger nausea.
A: Eating large meals can exacerbate nausea and vomiting due to increased stomach distention.
B: Taking anti-nausea medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not safe during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus.
D: Lying down immediately after meals can worsen symptoms by promoting reflux and indigestion.
In summary, Option C is the best choice as it addresses the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy effectively.