The nurse is counseling the client who is trying to become pregnant. To promote fetal health when the client is unaware of a pregnancy, the nurse should stress the inclusion of which nutrient in daily food intake?
- A. Potassium
- B. Calcium
- C. Folic acid
- D. Sodium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should educate the client about the need for adequate folic acid intake. Folic acid is important in preventing neural tube defects, especially during the first four weeks of fetal development. Potassium is important in preventing leg cramps during pregnancy, but this is usually not an issue during the first four weeks of gestation. Calcium is important for fetal development of bones, teeth, heart, nerves, and muscles, but the fetus will take calcium from the mother. Calcium is more important to maternal health than fetal development. Sodium is important for maintaining optimal electrolyte balance but is typically ingested in more than adequate amounts in a typical diet.
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Which of the following is most indicative of the presence of hydatidiform mole?
- A. A blotchy brown discoloration on the face
- B. A positive Chadwick's sign
- C. The presence of ballottement
- D. A uterus that is larger than expected
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A uterus larger than expected for gestational age is characteristic of hydatidiform mole, a gestational trophoblastic disease.
The client at 32 weeks’ gestation presents to a hospital with a severe headache. Her admission BP is 184/104 mm Hg. Based on the assessment and findings of the serum laboratory report, which most severe complication warrants the nurse’s further assessment?
- A. Renal failure
- B. Liver failure
- C. Preeclampsia
- D. HELLP syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is most important for the nurse to further assess for HELLP syndrome, a variation of pregnancy-induced hypertension characterized by hemolysis (elevated bilirubin), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. The laboratory results do not show the serum creatinine level, so no inferences can be made about renal failure. Although liver enzymes are elevated, HELLP syndrome is a more severe complication associated with pregnancy. Preeclampsia commonly coexists with HELLP syndrome; however, these laboratory findings show worsening symptoms that are associated with HELLP syndrome.
The nurse is caring for the 24-year-old client whose pregnancy history is as follows: elective termination age 18 years, spontaneous abortion age 21 years, term vaginal delivery at 22 years old, and currently pregnant again. Which documentation by the nurse of the client’s gravidity and parity is correct?
- A. G4P1
- B. G4P2
- C. G3P1
- D. G2P1
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client has been pregnant four times in all (gravidity). This client has delivered once (parity) and is currently pregnant, so the parity is 1. Although the client has been pregnant four times in all (gravidity), she would have had to deliver two fetuses over 20 weeks old, regardless of whether either fetus survived. The client has been pregnant four times in all, not three (gravidity). Parity of 1 is correct. The client has been pregnant four times in all, not two times (gravidity). Parity of 1 is correct.
Which dietary adjustment is most appropriate for a pregnant teenager?
- A. Increase caloric intake to 2,500 calories per day.
- B. Drink decaffeinated beverages instead of carbonated ones.
- C. Eat foods that are low in carbohydrates and fats.
- D. Choose nonspicy, easy to digest foods.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pregnant teenagers require about 2,500 calories daily to support their growth and the fetus's development.
The nurse emphasizes which safety measure during prenatal education?
- A. Avoiding raw or undercooked meat
- B. Sleeping on the stomach throughout pregnancy
- C. Using saunas regularly
- D. Taking herbal supplements without consultation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding raw or undercooked meat prevents infections like toxoplasmosis, a key safety measure for fetal health.