Your patient has gestational diabetes and she is currently on insulin 24 units in the morning and at night. She is worried about her baby and what will happen after the baby is born. In your education of the patient, you explain what will occur after the baby is born. Which major neonatal complication is carefully monitored after the birth of the infant of a diabetic mother?

Choice A reason: CD4 counts are not used to detect HIV, but to monitor the progression of the infection and the immune system status. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that HIV targets and destroys. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,500 cells per microliter of blood. A low CD4 count indicates a high risk of opportunistic infections and AIDS.

Choice B reason: Virus is a vague term that does not specify what kind of virus is being detected. HIV is a type of virus that belongs to the retrovirus family. It is difficult to detect the virus itself, as it hides inside the host cells and has a low concentration in the blood. Therefore, most laboratory tests focus on the antibodies that the body produces in response to the virus.

Choice C reason: HIV antibodies are the most common way to detect HIV, as they are produced by the immune system to fight the virus. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens (foreign substances) and mark them for destruction. HIV antibodies can be detected by a blood test, a saliva test, or a rapid test. However, antibodies may take several weeks to develop after exposure, so a negative test does not rule out the possibility of infection.

Choice D reason: CD8 counts are not used to detect HIV, but to monitor the immune system response and the viral load. CD8 cells are a type of white blood cell that kill infected cells and secrete antiviral substances. A high CD8 count indicates a strong immune response and a low viral load. A low CD8 count indicates a weak immune response and a high viral load.

Choice A reason: This is a correct statement, as the NST measures the fetal heart rate and its response to fetal movement. The nurse will place two belts around the client's abdomen, one to monitor the heart rate and one to monitor the contractions.

Choice B reason: This is a correct statement, as the NST usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The nurse will look for at least two accelerations of the fetal heart rate within a 20-minute period.

Choice C reason: This is a correct statement, as the NST is more likely to be reactive (normal) when the baby is active. The client may be asked to eat or drink something before the test to stimulate the baby's movement.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement, as the client does not have to lie on her back during the test. Lying on the back can compress the inferior vena cava and reduce the blood flow to the placenta. The client can lie on her side or sit in a reclining chair during the test.