A nurse is assessing a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy and has a BMI within the expected reference range. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the client will gain weight within the expected reference range?

Choice A reason: Measuring the client's gastric residual every 12 hr is not frequent enough to monitor the feeding tolerance and prevent aspiration. The nurse should measure the gastric residual before each intermittent feeding or every 4 to 6 hr during continuous feeding¹².

Choice B reason: Flushing the client's tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hr is an appropriate action to maintain the tube patency, prevent clogging, and hydrate the client. The nurse should flush the tube before and after each medication administration, feeding, or gastric residual check¹³.

Choice C reason: Keeping the client's head elevated at 15° during feedings is not sufficient to prevent reflux and aspiration. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed at least 30° to 45° during feedings and for at least 30 min to 1 hr after feedings¹⁴.

Choice D reason: Obtaining the client's electrolyte levels every 4 hr is not necessary unless the client has signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance, such as edema, dehydration, or abnormal vital signs. The nurse should monitor the client's weight, intake and output, and laboratory values as ordered by the provider¹⁵.

Choice A reason: Crohn's disease is not commonly associated with obesity, although obesity can worsen the symptoms and complications of Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, especially the small intestine and colon. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but it may involve genetic, immune, and environmental factors.

Choice B reason: Celiac disease is not commonly associated with obesity, although obesity can make the diagnosis of celiac disease more difficult. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is ingested. The damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients and can lead to malnutrition, anemia, and osteoporosis.

Choice C reason: Peptic ulcer disease is not commonly associated with obesity, although obesity can increase the risk of complications from peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The most common causes of peptic ulcer disease are infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Choice D reason: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with obesity, as obesity can increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. GERD is a condition that causes heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. GERD can also lead to esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.