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?

Based on your last menstrual period (LMP) of May 4, 2022, your estimated date of delivery (EDD) would be around February 11, 2023."

Rationale:

• Calculating the Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD): The EDD can be calculated using Naegele's Rule, which is a standard method used to estimate the due date. The rule involves subtracting three months from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), adding seven days, and adjusting the year if necessary.

• Application of Naegele’s Rule:

  • Start with the first day of the LMP: May 4, 2022.
  • Subtract three months: February 4, 2022.
  • Add seven days: February 11, 2022.
  • Since the year needs to be adjusted, the EDD is February 11, 2023.

Key Points:

• Naegele’s Rule is commonly used but assumes a 28-day menstrual cycle and ovulation on the 14th day. Variations in cycle length can affect the accuracy.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Inserting an IV catheter is important for potential fluid and medication administration, but it is not the immediate priority action.

Choice B rationale: Administering glucocorticoids is important for fetal lung maturity in case of preterm birth, but it is not the immediate priority upon admission.

Choice C rationale: Applying an external fetal monitor is the priority action. It allows for continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine activity to assess the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress.

Choice D rationale: Monitoring vaginal bleeding is important for managing placenta previa, but it is not the immediate priority. Continuous fetal monitoring takes precedence to ensure fetal safety.