Needs of Maternal and Reproductive Health Clients Related

Review Needs of Maternal and Reproductive Health Clients related questions and content

When explaining the recommended weight gain to your patient, the nurse's teaching should include which statement?

  • A. All pregnant women need to gain a minimum of 25 to 35 lb.'
  • B. The fetus, amniotic fluid, and placenta require 15 lb of weight gain.'
  • C. Weight gain in pregnancy is based on the patient's prepregnant body mass index.'
  • D. More weight should be gained in the first and second trimesters and less in the third.'
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because weight gain in pregnancy should be individualized based on the patient's prepregnant body mass index (BMI). This is important as it takes into consideration the patient's starting weight and helps to determine a healthy range of weight gain to support both maternal and fetal health. This approach is evidence-based and helps to prevent complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: This statement is incorrect because not all pregnant women need to gain the same amount of weight. Weight gain recommendations vary based on the patient's BMI.
B: This statement is incorrect as it provides a specific number for weight gain, which may not be accurate for all pregnant women. Weight gain should be individualized based on BMI.
D: This statement is incorrect because weight gain recommendations are distributed evenly across the trimesters, not necessarily more in the first and second trimesters and less in the third.