A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes.

Which of the following types of insulin should the nurse use?

The correct answer is choice C. Pancreas.Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and affects how the cells use sugar (glucose).Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and it is regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas.

In gestational diabetes, the placenta (the organ that connects the baby to the mother) produces hormones that can make insulin less effective, leading to high blood sugar levels.This condition is called insulin resistance

Choice A is wrong because the lungs are not directly involved in glucose metabolism or insulin production.

Choice B is wrong because the kidneys are not the primary site of insulin production, although they can be affected by high blood sugar levels over time.

Choice D is wrong because the liver is not the main source of insulin, although it can help regulate blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed.

Gestational diabetes usually does not cause any symptoms, but it can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, large birth weight, premature delivery, low blood sugar, and future diabetesTherefore, it is important to screen for gestational diabetes during pregnancy and manage it with a healthy diet, exercise, and medication if needed

The correct answer is choice C. The woman had no episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during pregnancy.

This outcome indicates that the interventions were successful in maintaining a normal blood glucose level for the woman and preventing complications for her and her baby.

Choice A is wrong because the recommended weight gain for a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes is 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lb).

Gaining less than 10 kg (22 lb) may indicate inadequate nutrition or poor glycemic control.

Choice B is wrong because the ideal birth weight for a baby of a woman with gestational diabetes is between 2.5 and 4 kg (5.5 and 8.8 lb).

A baby who weighs 3 kg (6.6 lb) at birth is within the normal range, but it does not necessarily reflect the effectiveness of the interventions.

Choice D is wrong because the woman’s blood glucose levels may or may not return to normal within six weeks after delivery.

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after giving birth, but some women may develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Therefore, a postpartum glucose test is recommended to check the woman’s status.

Normal ranges for blood glucose levels during pregnancy are:

• Fasting: less than 95 mg/dL

• One hour after meals: less than 140 mg/dL

• Two hours after meals: less than 120 mg/dL