A nurse is teaching a group of parents about car seat safety. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is indicated to promote fetal lung maturity in a client at 31 weeks gestation at risk for preterm delivery. Administering corticosteroids reduces neonatal complications and is appropriate for this high-risk pregnancy.

B. Give antihypertensive medication: The client’s blood pressure readings (162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg) indicate severe hypertension, which requires prompt management to prevent maternal complications such as stroke, eclampsia, or organ damage. Administering antihypertensives is a priority in controlling blood pressure.

C. Monitor intake and output hourly: Frequent monitoring of fluid balance is essential due to the risk of renal impairment from preeclampsia. Hourly intake and output helps detect oliguria or fluid retention, which can indicate worsening maternal status or impending complications.

D. Perform a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Routine vaginal examinations are avoided in clients with preeclampsia or severe hypertension due to the risk of inducing labor or causing trauma. Vaginal exams should be performed only when medically indicated.

E. Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: Measuring proteinuria via a 24-hour urine collection helps evaluate the severity of preeclampsia and guides clinical management. This client has 3+ protein on urinalysis, confirming significant proteinuria.

F. Provide a low-stimulation environment: Reducing stimuli helps prevent exacerbation of headache, hypertension, and risk for seizures. A calm, quiet environment is a standard intervention for clients with severe preeclampsia.

G. Maintain bed rest: Bed rest with lateral positioning promotes uteroplacental perfusion, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent complications such as eclampsia. The intervention supports maternal and fetal stability in the acute phase of severe preeclampsia.

A. Recurrent UTI: Frequent urinary tract infections can be a sign of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) because hyperglycemia creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Recurrent infections may indicate impaired glucose regulation and warrant further screening for GDM.

B. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus: While a family history increases the client’s risk for developing GDM, it is not a direct indicator that the client currently has gestational diabetes. It is considered a risk factor rather than a presenting finding.

C. Heart rate is consistently between 55/min and 58/min: A slightly lower maternal heart rate is not indicative of gestational diabetes. Maternal bradycardia in this range is usually not related to glucose metabolism and may be influenced by other factors such as fitness level or medication use.

D. Reports decrease in urination frequency: Gestational diabetes typically causes polyuria rather than decreased urination. Reduced urination is not a characteristic finding associated with GDM and may suggest other renal or hydration issues instead.