A nurse is completing discharge teaching to a client in her 35th week of pregnancy who has mild preeclampsia. Which of the following information about nutrition should be included in the teaching?

Choice a reason:

Temperature monitoring is important in preterm labor to detect infections or inflammations that could complicate the pregnancy. However, while maternal temperature is a vital sign that should be monitored, it is not the priority in this context. The priority is to assess the well-being of the fetus, which is directly indicated by the FHR.

Choice b reason:

Bowel sounds are assessed to ensure gastrointestinal function and to detect potential complications such as ileus or bowel obstruction. In the context of preterm labor, while bowel sounds are part of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority over fetal well-being and maternal respiratory status, especially when administering magnesium sulfate, which does not primarily affect gastrointestinal function.

Choice c reason:

Respiratory rate is a critical assessment when administering magnesium sulfate due to the risk of respiratory depression as a side effect of the medication. It is essential to monitor because maternal oxygenation directly affects fetal oxygenation. However, the FHR is a more direct measure of fetal distress and therefore takes priority in this specific assessment.

Choice d reason:

Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is the priority nursing assessment when administering magnesium sulfate IV to a client in preterm labor. Magnesium sulfate can affect uterine contractions and, by extension, fetal oxygenation and well-being. FHR is the most direct indicator of fetal distress, which can occur if the uterus becomes too relaxed and compromises placental blood flow or if there are side effects affecting the mother's cardiovascular status. Therefore, continuous monitoring of FHR is crucial to ensure the fetus is not experiencing distress.

Choice a reason:
A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, the bladder can become distended due to decreased sensitivity, which may be caused by trauma during delivery or the effects of anesthesia. A distended bladder can push the uterus to the side and prevent it from contracting properly, leading to increased bleeding. It's important for the nurse to encourage the client to void to relieve bladder distension and allow the uterus to contract effectively.

Choice b reason:
Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad does not necessarily indicate bladder distension. Lochia rubra is the normal discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus after childbirth, and its amount can vary widely among individuals. While heavy lochia can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, it is not directly related to bladder distension.

Choice c reason:
Increased thirst in a postpartum client is not a direct indicator of bladder distension. Thirst can be influenced by various factors, including dehydration from labor, breastfeeding, or hormonal changes. While it's important for a postpartum client to stay hydrated, increased thirst alone does not suggest a distended bladder.

Choice d reason:
Frequent uterine contractions reported by the client are not a sign of bladder distension. These contractions, known as afterpains, are normal and occur as the uterus contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size. While uncomfortable, they are a sign of the uterus working to expel blood and tissue and do not indicate bladder issues.