A client who is 4 weeks pregnant, is at the first prenatal visit and reports to the nurse the use of alcohol. Which of the following should the nurse educate the client about, to be a safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy?

Explanation:

The safest recommendation for alcohol intake during pregnancy is to avoid alcohol completely. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as even small amounts of alcohol can potentially harm the developing fetus. Alcohol crosses the placenta and can lead to a range of serious complications known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), including physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

Explanation:

A. Excessive uterine enlargement

This choice is correct because a hydatidiform mole can cause rapid and excessive growth of the uterus due to the abnormal proliferation of placental tissue. This can lead to the uterus being larger than expected for the gestational age.

B. Profuse, clear vaginal discharge

This choice is not typically associated with a hydatidiform mole. While vaginal discharge can occur during pregnancy, a profuse and clear discharge is not specifically characteristic of a hydatidiform mole. Other causes, such as normal vaginal secretions or infections, could lead to such discharge.

C. Rapid decline in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels

This choice is not typical of a hydatidiform mole. In fact, one of the hallmarks of a molar pregnancy is an abnormally high level of hCG. The hCG levels may continue to rise instead of declining rapidly.

D. Irregular fetal heart rate

This choice is not associated with a hydatidiform mole because a molar pregnancy does not involve a viable fetus with a heartbeat. Instead, it is characterized by the abnormal growth of placental tissue, which can cause symptoms related to uterine enlargement and complications such as bleeding or preeclampsia, but not an irregular fetal heart rate.