Encouraging routine prenatal visits is an important function for nurses to ensure the clients avoid complications or difficulties throughout the pregnancy and birth.
The nurse would prepare to screen clients for gestational diabetes at which time during the pregnancy?

The correct answer is choice A.

Choice A rationale:

The glucose challenge test is used to check for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. People at average risk of gestational diabetes usually have this test done during the second trimester, generally between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Choice B rationale:

This is too early in the pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. The body’s response to sugar changes as the pregnancy progresses, so testing is typically done later.

Choice C rationale:

This is still a bit early for the screening. The recommended time is between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

Choice D rationale:

This is too late in the pregnancy for the screening. The recommended time is between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Brownish vaginal discharge can be a sign of labor but it is not definitive.

Choice B rationale:

Cervical dilation is a definitive sign that labor has started.

Choice C rationale:

Presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault can indicate rupture of membranes but it does not confirm labor.

Choice D rationale:

Pain above the umbilicus is not a typical sign of labor.