A nurse is providing teaching about nutrition to a client at her first prenatal visit.
Which of the following statements by the nurse should be included in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

While determining the viability of the fetus is an important aspect of prenatal care, it is not the primary purpose of an ultrasound in this scenario. The client’s report of feeling the baby moving suggests that the fetus is likely viable.

Choice B rationale

The primary purpose of the ultrasound in this scenario is to locate the placenta. Heavy, red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation could indicate a complication such as placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix. An ultrasound can help confirm this diagnosis.

Choice C rationale

Measuring the biparietal diameter is a method used to estimate fetal weight and gestational age. However, in this scenario, the client is already known to be at 38 weeks of gestation, and the sudden onset of heavy, red vaginal bleeding is a more immediate concern.

Choice D rationale

Assessing fetal lung maturity is typically done when there is a risk of preterm delivery. In this scenario, the client is already at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. The immediate concern is the heavy, red vaginal bleeding.

Choice A rationale

While iron-rich foods are important for overall health and preventing anemia, they do not specifically minimize the risk of having a newborn with a neural tube defect.

Choice B rationale

Limiting alcohol consumption is crucial during pregnancy as it can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. However, it does not specifically target the prevention of neural tube defects.

Choice C rationale

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has been a topic of debate regarding its safety during pregnancy. While it’s generally considered safe in moderation, avoiding foods containing aspartame does not specifically prevent neural tube defects.

Choice D rationale

Consuming foods fortified with folic acid is the most effective way to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is crucial for proper brain and spine development in the early stages of pregnancy.