The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about the possibility of gestational diabetes. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse educate the patient to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased thirst and frequent urination. This is because these symptoms are indicative of hyperglycemia, which is common in gestational diabetes. Increased thirst occurs due to the body trying to flush out excess sugar through urine, leading to frequent urination. This should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Other choices are incorrect:
B: Sudden weight loss and increased energy are not typical symptoms of gestational diabetes. Weight loss can occur in uncontrolled diabetes, but it is not a common symptom in gestational diabetes.
C: Extreme fatigue and headaches can be non-specific symptoms and are not necessarily related to gestational diabetes.
D: Decreased fetal movement and nausea are more commonly associated with other complications in pregnancy, such as placental insufficiency or preeclampsia, rather than gestational diabetes.