A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is pregnant and has phenylketonuria (PKU). Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to eliminate from her diet?

Choice A rationale

Gradual lordosis, or the inward curvature of the spine, is a common physiological change during pregnancy. As the baby grows and the woman’s center of gravity shifts, the spine adjusts to maintain balance.

Choice B rationale

Decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, the body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process.

Choice C rationale

Increased abdominal muscle tone is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, as the baby grows, the abdominal muscles stretch and can even separate, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Choice D rationale

Posterior neck flexion is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy.

Choice A rationale

Chloasma. Also known as melasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” chloasma is a common skin change during pregnancy. It appears as dark, irregular patches on the face19.

Choice B rationale

Linea nigra. This is a dark line that runs from the belly button to the pubic hair. It is another common skin change during pregnancy19.

Choice C rationale

Eczema. While some women may experience a worsening of eczema symptoms during pregnancy, it’s not a skin change that’s specifically associated with pregnancy19.

Choice D rationale

Psoriasis. Like eczema, psoriasis is not a skin change that’s specifically associated with pregnancy. Some women may see their psoriasis improve during pregnancy, while others may see it get worse19.

Choice E rationale

Striae gravidarum. Also known as stretch marks, these are another common skin change during pregnancy. They appear as pink, red, or purple streaks on the skin19.