A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about the complications associated with maternal gestational diabetes. Which of the following complications should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include teaching the client to perform daily fetal movement counts because it is an essential aspect of monitoring the baby's well-being and assessing fetal distress. Fetal movement counts help the client become familiar with their baby's normal patterns of movement, allowing them to detect any changes or decreased movements promptly. This can be crucial in identifying potential issues with the baby's health and seeking timely medical attention.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should not advise limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL/day for a client with mild preeclampsia. Adequate hydration is important during pregnancy, and excessive fluid restriction can lead to dehydration, which is harmful to both the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, but complete fluid restriction is not the appropriate approach for managing the condition.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should not suggest limiting sodium intake to 2,000 mg/day for a client with mild preeclampsia. While reducing sodium intake can be beneficial for some individuals with hypertension, it is not the primary focus in managing mild preeclampsia. The mainstay of treatment for mild preeclampsia typically involves close monitoring, rest, and potential medications to control blood pressure if necessary.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not recommend that the client rest in bed in the supine position. During pregnancy, especially with preeclampsia, lying flat on the back (supine position) can lead to a condition called supine hypotensive syndrome. This occurs when the weight of the uterus presses on the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and potentially causing a drop in blood pressure and decreased blood flow to the baby.

Choice A rationale:

Stimulate the infant to cry. While stimulating the infant to cry is a common practice to assess the newborn's respiratory function, it is not the first action the nurse should perform in this situation. The newborn may cry spontaneously or may require other interventions, such as clearing the respiratory tract, before crying.

Choice B rationale:

Clear the respiratory tract. Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action in this scenario. It ensures that the airway is open and allows the infant to breathe effectively. This is crucial because newborns are at higher risk of respiratory distress after birth, and prompt action can prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Dry the infant off and cover the head. Drying the infant off and covering the head are important steps to prevent heat loss and maintain the newborn's body temperature. However, these actions can be delayed briefly until the respiratory tract is cleared, as the immediate focus should be on ensuring the infant's ability to breathe.

Choice D rationale:

Clamp the umbilical cord. Clamping the umbilical cord is a standard procedure after birth to prevent bleeding and infection. However, it is not the priority in this situation. The first step should be to ensure the newborn's airway is clear and they can breathe adequately.