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: Reducing caloric intake by 200 calories a day may not be enough to achieve significant weight loss for a client who is obese. The recommended daily calorie deficit for weight loss is 500 to 750 calories, which can result in a loss of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week¹.

Choice B reason: Losing 5 percent of body weight can improve glycemic control and reduce the need for glucose-lowering medications for a client who has type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can lower HbA1c levels by 0.5 to 1.0 percentage points².

Choice C reason: Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week may not be sufficient to lose 1 pound per week. The recommended amount of physical activity for weight loss is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus resistance training at least twice a week³.

Choice D reason: Drinking 16 ounces of apple juice is not advisable if the blood glucose level drops during exercise, as it can cause hyperglycemia. Apple juice contains about 48 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to four servings of glucose tablets⁴. The recommended treatment for hypoglycemia is to consume 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, gel, or juice, and recheck the blood glucose level after 15 minutes⁵.

Choice A reason: Calcium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms, but it does not affect wound healing.

Choice B reason: Potassium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is essential for nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and muscle cramps, but it does not affect wound healing.

Choice C reason: Vitamin C is a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, as it is involved in collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and immune response. Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and anemia.

Choice D reason: Vitamin D is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, osteomalacia, and increased risk of infections, but it does not affect wound healing.