A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following complications should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:
Fetal movement counts are a simple yet effective tool to monitor fetal well-being in women with preeclampsia. They provide valuable insights into the baby's activity level and can alert the healthcare team to potential concerns early on.
Preeclampsia can compromise placental blood flow, which can lead to decreased fetal movement. By tracking fetal movements daily, the mother can detect any significant changes or reductions in activity, prompting further assessment and intervention if necessary.
Research has shown that regular fetal movement counts can reduce the risk of stillbirth in women with preeclampsia. This is because prompt recognition of decreased fetal movements allows for timely interventions, such as closer monitoring, induction of labor, or delivery, to prevent adverse outcomes.
Daily fetal movement counts empower women to take an active role in their pregnancy care and contribute to a sense of control in a condition that can often feel unpredictable. This increased involvement can promote maternal-fetal bonding and reduce anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
While fluid restriction has been a traditional recommendation for preeclampsia, current evidence does not support limiting fluid intake to 1,000 ml/day. In fact, excessive fluid restriction can lead to dehydration, which can worsen placental perfusion and compromise fetal well-being.
It's essential for women with preeclampsia to maintain adequate hydration to support essential bodily functions and fetal growth. Adequate fluid intake also helps to prevent urinary tract infections, which are more common in women with preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Although reducing sodium intake can be beneficial for overall blood pressure control, there's insufficient evidence to support a strict sodium restriction of 2,000 mg/day specifically for managing mild preeclampsia. Individual needs may vary, and a more moderate approach to sodium reduction is often recommended.
Focusing on a balanced, healthy diet with appropriate sodium intake is generally more effective than strict limitations. This approach promotes overall well-being and supports healthy blood pressure levels without compromising nutritional needs. Choice D rationale:
Rest is often recommended for women with preeclampsia to reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and promote placental blood flow. However, the supine position (lying on the back) is not ideal, as it can further compress the large blood vessels in the abdomen and potentially reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Side-lying positions, particularly the left lateral position, are preferred for women with preeclampsia. These positions help to alleviate pressure on the major blood vessels, enhance blood flow, and improve uteroplacental circulation, which benefits both the mother and the baby.

Choice A rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. It's a serious complication that can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth. However, it's not a direct complication of maternal gestational diabetes.

Choice B rationale:

Newborn hypoglycemia is a condition in which a newborn's blood sugar levels are too low. It can occur in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, but it's not the most common or significant complication associated with the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a low amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. It can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes, but it's not as common as other complications, such as macrosomia (large for gestational age baby).

Choice D rationale:

Small for gestational age (SGA) newborn refers to a baby who is smaller than expected for their gestational age. It can be caused by several factors, including restricted intrauterine growth, which can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes. However, it's not the most direct or common complication of the condition.

Choice E rationale:

Maternal gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It's the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy and can lead to several serious health risks for both the mother and baby. These risks include:

Macrosomia (large for gestational age baby): High blood sugar levels in the mother can cause the baby to grow excessively large, leading to complications during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, and cesarean delivery. Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can affect multiple organs, including the liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Premature birth: Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to deliver their babies prematurely, which can lead to health problems for the baby, such as respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.

Neonatal hypoglycemia: Newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth due to the sudden withdrawal of maternal glucose supply. This can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly treated.

Type 2 diabetes later in life: Both mother and child are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.