The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 30 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which of the following is the most important aspect of the patient's care plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a balanced diet. This is the most important aspect of care for a pregnant patient with gestational diabetes because it helps control blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Monitoring blood glucose levels ensures that the patient's blood sugar remains within the target range, while maintaining a balanced diet helps provide essential nutrients without causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
A: Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy is important but not as crucial as monitoring blood glucose levels for a patient with gestational diabetes.
C: Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health during pregnancy, but it is not the most critical aspect of care for a patient with gestational diabetes.
D: Administering insulin may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the most important aspect of care compared to monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a balanced diet.