A nurse is caring for a client who has a positive pregnancy test.
The nurse is teaching the client about common discomforts in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as warning signs of potential danger.
The nurse should instruct the client to call the clinic if she experiences which of the following manifestations?

Choice A rationale

Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy as it helps to make the extra blood (hemoglobin) you need to supply oxygen to the baby. However, while iron is important for both mother and baby during pregnancy, it does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

Choice B rationale

Calcium is crucial during pregnancy as it helps to build your baby’s bones and teeth. However, calcium does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.

Choice C rationale

Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body during pregnancy. It helps the body to make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. However, Vitamin C does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.

Choice D rationale

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a type of B vitamin. It’s very important for all people, including pregnant women. It can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects). Women who are planning to become pregnant should take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.

Choice A rationale

Aspirin is not typically recommended for cramps following a D&C. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are usually suggested for pain relief. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, which is not desirable after a surgical procedure like a D&C2.

Choice B rationale

Products of conception will not be present in vaginal bleeding after a D&C. The purpose of a D&C is to remove tissue from the uterus, including any remaining products of conception following a miscarriage.

Choice C rationale

While a balanced diet is always important, there’s no specific recommendation for an increased intake of zinc-rich foods following a D&C. Good nutrition can support healing, but there’s no need to focus specifically on zinc.

Choice D rationale

Vaginal intercourse can be resumed after 2 weeks following a D&C. This allows time for the cervix to close and any post-procedure bleeding to stop. It’s also important to prevent infection.