A nurse is caring for a female client who is scheduled to have a pelvic examination.
The client tells the nurse, "I'm really nervous because I've never had a pelvic exam before.”. Which of the following is an appropriate therapeutic response by the nurse?

Choice A rationale: Decreased energy is a common symptom during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. This is typically due to hormonal changes, increased demands on the body, and changes in sleep patterns. While decreased energy can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem and does not require immediate medical attention unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Choice B rationale: Urinary frequency is another common symptom during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder. This symptom is usually most noticeable in the first and third trimesters. While it can be inconvenient, it is generally not a cause for concern and does not require a call to the healthcare provider unless it is accompanied by pain or other symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract infection.

Choice C rationale: Mood swings are a frequent occurrence during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. Pregnant individuals may experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness and excitement to anxiety and irritability. While mood swings can be challenging to manage, they are typically not a sign of a serious problem and do not necessitate immediate medical attention unless they are severe and impact daily functioning.

Choice D rationale: Facial edema, or swelling of the face, can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated. Other signs of preeclampsia can include severe headaches, visual disturbances, and rapid weight gain. If a pregnant individual experiences facial edema, it is important to contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and management.

A nurse is reinforcing nutritional teaching with a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include? The correct answer is choice B: "You should increase your folic acid intake during your pregnancy.”.

Choice A rationale:

"You should stop taking your prenatal vitamin if you experience nausea.”. This statement is incorrect. Nausea is a common symptom during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. However, discontinuing prenatal vitamins is not recommended. It's essential to continue taking them to ensure the mother and baby receive adequate nutrients. Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for the baby's development. Discontinuing them due to nausea could lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Choice C rationale:

"You should limit your iron intake during your first trimester.”. This statement is incorrect. Iron intake should not be limited during the first trimester. Iron is an essential mineral during pregnancy, as the mother's blood volume increases, and iron is required to make more red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Therefore, iron intake is typically increased during pregnancy to meet the increased demand.

Choice D rationale:

"You should increase your daily calorie intake by 750 calories.”. This statement is not entirely accurate. While it's true that calorie needs increase during pregnancy, the recommended additional calorie intake is generally around 300-500 calories per day, not 750. The exact number can vary from person to person, depending on their pre-pregnancy weight and activity level. Consuming too many extra calories can lead to excessive weight gain, which can have negative consequences for both the mother and the baby. It's important to focus on the quality of calories consumed and ensure they come from nutrient-dense foods.