On her first visit, a patient had a baseline hemoglobin of 13.0 gm and a hematocrit of 42.9%.She has been taking ferrous sulfate tablets and eating an iron-rich diet.She returned to the clinic at 30 weeks gestation and has a hemoglobin of 11.0 gm and a hematocrit of 36.3%.She is concerned and confused about why these lab values have gone down.
In responding, which physiological change during pregnancy should the nurse describe to the patient?

The correct answer is choice B. Insulin amount needs will continue to increase throughout the second and third trimesters.This is because gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually during the 2nd or 3rd trimester.It is caused by hormonal changes that interfere with the action of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta produces more hormones that increase insulin resistance, so the mother needs more insulin to keep her blood sugar within normal range.

Choice A is wrong because insulin amount needs will not remain stable during the third trimester.They will increase as the placenta grows and produces more hormones that cause insulin resistance.

Choice C is wrong because insulin amount needs will not decrease during the third trimester.They will increase as the placenta grows and produces more hormones that cause insulin resistance.

Choice D is wrong because insulin amount needs will not remain stable for the rest of the second and during the third trimesters.They will increase as the pregnancy progresses and the placenta produces more hormones that increase insulin resistance.

Normal ranges for blood sugar during pregnancy are: fasting < 95 mg/dL, 1 hour after meal < 140 mg/dL, 2 hours after meal < 120 mg/dL.

This is because pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can cause eclampsia, a condition characterized by seizures and coma.Eclampsia can occur during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum.

A nurse should monitor the client for signs of increased blood pressure, headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and hyperreflexia, which may indicate an impending convulsion.

Choice A is wrong because hemorrhage is not a common complication of PIH.

Hemorrhage may occur due to other causes such as uterine atony, lacerations, or retained placenta.

Choice B is wrong because urinary retention is not a common complication of PIH.

Urinary retention may occur due to other causes such as anesthesia, trauma, or infection.

Choice D is wrong because thrombophlebitis is not a common complication of PIH.

Thrombophlebitis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein and causes inflammation.

It may occur due to other risk factors such as immobility, dehydration, or injury.