A nurse is teaching a client who is at 15 weeks of gestation and is to undergo an amniocentesis. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this test is to identify which of the following conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Explanation:

A. "This will occur between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy."

This response is accurate and aligns with the typical timeframe for quickening, which is the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant person. Quickening commonly occurs between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy, corresponding to the fourth and fifth months. However, it's essential to note that the exact timing can vary from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy.

B. "This will happen by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy."

This response is not entirely accurate. Quickening typically occurs later than the end of the first trimester. While some women, particularly those who have been pregnant before, may feel fetal movements toward the end of the first trimester, it's more common to experience quickening during the second trimester.

C. "This will happen once the uterus begins to rise out of the pelvis."

This response is not directly related to quickening. The rising of the uterus (fundus) out of the pelvic cavity is a physical change that occurs as the pregnancy progresses, but it doesn't signify the onset of fetal movements (quickening). Quickening is specifically about feeling the baby's movements, not the position of the uterus.

D. “This will occur during the last trimester of pregnancy."

This response is incorrect. Quickening typically occurs much earlier, specifically during the second trimester, around the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy. Waiting until the last trimester to feel fetal movements would be unusual and might prompt further evaluation or discussion with a healthcare provider.

Explanation:

A. "You will need to double your intake of iron during pregnancy."

This statement is not accurate. While iron needs do increase during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and fetal development, the recommended increase is not necessarily a doubling of intake. Specific iron requirements can vary based on individual factors, such as pre-pregnancy iron status and maternal health conditions.

B. "Prenatal vitamins will meet your need for increased vitamin D during pregnancy."

Prenatal vitamins typically contain some vitamin D, but they may not meet the increased need for vitamin D during pregnancy entirely, especially if the client has limited sun exposure or other risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Additional sources of vitamin D, such as sunlight exposure and dietary sources, may be recommended.

C. "You will need to increase your calcium intake during breastfeeding."

This statement is correct. During breastfeeding, calcium requirements increase to support milk production and the maintenance of maternal bone health. Adequate calcium intake is important for both the mother and the growing infant.

D. "Vitamin E requirements decline during pregnancy due to the increase in body fat."

This statement is not accurate. Vitamin E requirements do not necessarily decline during pregnancy because of an increase in body fat. Vitamin E is still essential during pregnancy for its antioxidant properties and role in fetal development.