A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation and reports abdominal pain and moderate vaginal bleeding.

Incomplete abortion is the initial diagnosis.

Which of the following actions should the nurse contribute to the client’s plan of care?

Choice A rationale:
A blood pressure of 100/60 is within the normal range and does not pose a contraindication to oral contraceptives. While hypertension (high blood pressure) can be a contraindication, a blood pressure of 100/60 is not considered hypertensive.
However, it's essential to monitor blood pressure regularly in individuals using oral contraceptives, as some may experience a slight increase in blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:
Age is a significant factor when considering oral contraceptive use.
Adolescents under 16 years of age are generally not recommended to use oral contraceptives due to several concerns: Their reproductive systems are still developing, and hormonal contraceptives could potentially disrupt normal growth and development.
Younger adolescents may have more difficulty adhering to a strict daily medication regimen, which is crucial for the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
They may be at a higher risk of certain side effects, such as irregular bleeding patterns and mood changes.
Acne treatment is often a primary reason for considering oral contraceptives in adolescents. However, alternative acne treatments that are more suitable for younger individuals are available.

Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 39 is within the normal range for females and does not contraindicate oral contraceptive use.
Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Oral contraceptives can sometimes cause slight changes in hematocrit levels, but these changes are typically not clinically significant.

Choice D rationale:
A menstrual cycle of 14 days is considered a normal variation and does not pose a contraindication to oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives can often regulate irregular menstrual cycles, so they may even be beneficial for individuals with shorter or longer cycles.

Choice A rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. It's a serious complication that can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth. However, it's not a direct complication of maternal gestational diabetes.

Choice B rationale:

Newborn hypoglycemia is a condition in which a newborn's blood sugar levels are too low. It can occur in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes, but it's not the most common or significant complication associated with the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a low amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. It can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes, but it's not as common as other complications, such as macrosomia (large for gestational age baby).

Choice D rationale:

Small for gestational age (SGA) newborn refers to a baby who is smaller than expected for their gestational age. It can be caused by several factors, including restricted intrauterine growth, which can be associated with maternal gestational diabetes. However, it's not the most direct or common complication of the condition.

Choice E rationale:

Maternal gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It's the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy and can lead to several serious health risks for both the mother and baby. These risks include:

Macrosomia (large for gestational age baby): High blood sugar levels in the mother can cause the baby to grow excessively large, leading to complications during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, and cesarean delivery. Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can affect multiple organs, including the liver and kidneys, and can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Premature birth: Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to deliver their babies prematurely, which can lead to health problems for the baby, such as respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.

Neonatal hypoglycemia: Newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth due to the sudden withdrawal of maternal glucose supply. This can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly treated.

Type 2 diabetes later in life: Both mother and child are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.