A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in her second trimester of pregnancy. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings as an expected physiologic change during pregnancy?

The nurse should tell the client that the recommendation for her is about 15 to 25 pounds, as this is the range of weight gain that is considered healthy and appropriate for a pregnant woman who has a BMI of 26.5, which falls in the overweight category (BMI of 25 to 29.9). The weight gain should be gradual and consistent, with an average of

0.6 pounds per week in the second and third trimesters.

a. The nurse should not tell the client that a gain of about 25 to 35 pounds is best for her and for her baby, as this is the range of weight gain that is recommended for a pregnant woman who has a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9). Gaining more weight than necessary can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and postpartum weight retention.

c. The nurse should not tell the client that she should gain 11 to 20 pounds, as this is the range of weight gain that is advised for a pregnant woman who has a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls in the obese category. Gaining less weight than needed can compromise fetal growth and development, and increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction.

d. The nurse should not tell the client that it really doesn't mater exactly how much weight she gains, as long as her diet is healthy, as this is a vague and inaccurate statement that does not provide any guidance or education to the client. The amount of weight gain during pregnancy does mater, as it affects both maternal and fetal health and outcomes. A healthy diet is important, but it is not the only factor that influences weight gain. The nurse should also consider the client's pre-pregnancy weight, physical activity level, medical history, and gestational age.

c. Excessive uterine enlargement

A hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease, where the placenta develops abnormally into a mass of cysts that resemble grape-like clusters. A hydatidiform mole can cause excessive uterine enlargement, as the uterus grows larger than expected for the gestational age. The nurse should measure the fundal height and compare it with the expected value based on the last menstrual period or ultrasound.

The other findings are not associated with a hydatidiform mole and may indicate other conditions.

Whitish vaginal discharge is not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but it may be normal in pregnancy due to increased cervical mucus production. However, if the discharge is foul-smelling, yellow, green, or bloody, it may indicate an infection or a complication such as preterm labor or placental abruption.

Fetal heart rate irregularities are not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but they may indicate fetal distress or congenital anomalies. A hydatidiform mole usually does not have a viable fetus, and fetal heart tones are absent or very faint. The nurse should use a Doppler device or a fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate and rhythm.

d. Rapidly dropping human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but they may indicate a spontaneous abortion or an ectopic pregnancy. A hydatidiform mole usually causes very high hCG levels, as the abnormal placental tissue secretes large amounts of this hormone. The nurse should perform a urine or blood test to measure the hCG levels and monitor them for chan