A nurse is providing education to a client who is pregnant and concerned about the risk of congenital heart diseases in their unborn baby. Which risk factor should the nurse mention?

A) This option is incorrect. Family history of congenital heart diseases is a significant risk factor. If a close family member has had a congenital heart defect, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies may be higher.

B) Correct answer. Exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Rubella is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects.

C) This option is incorrect. While a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for overall maternal and fetal health, it is not the primary risk factor for congenital heart diseases.

D) This option is incorrect. While genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of congenital heart diseases, there are other identifiable risk factors, as mentioned in option B.

A) The answer is A. Monitoring urine output closely is essential postoperatively to assess kidney perfusion and fluid balance, as infants are at risk of fluid shifts after cardiac surgery.

B) Incorrect. While administering prescribed analgesics is important for postoperative pain management, it is not the priority intervention among the options provided.

C) Incorrect. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is important to prevent respiratory complications, but it is not the priority intervention immediately after cardiac surgery.

D) Incorrect. Elevating the head of the bed can help with respiratory effort, but it is not the priority intervention. Monitoring urine output and fluid balance is more critical in the early postoperative period.