A nurse is providing teaching about nutrition to a client at her first prenatal visit.Which of the following statements by the nurse should be included in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

During pregnancy, the body’s production of red blood cells usually increases to meet the increased demands of the growing fetus. Therefore, a drop in hematocrit is not typically due to insufficient red blood cell production.

Choice B rationale

While iron is essential during pregnancy, a reduction in hematocrit levels at 16 weeks' gestation is primarily due to increased plasma volume, rather than iron deficiency. Nutritional counseling may still be beneficial but isn't the primary explanation for this change.

Choice C rationale

A hematocrit level of 34% at 16 weeks is generally not considered indicative of a severe problem. Instead, it is a physiological response to increased plasma volume, known as dilutional anemia of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale

The primary reason for a lower hematocrit count during pregnancy is the increase in blood plasma volume, leading to dilutional anemia. This is a normal adaptation to pregnancy that ensures adequate blood flow to the fetus.

Choice A rationale

Analysis of serum for tetanus antibodies is not an immediate action in acute injury scenarios. The priority is to provide immediate passive immunity.

Choice B rationale

Administration of tetanus immune globulin provides immediate passive immunity. This is crucial to prevent tetanus infection since the client has not been immunized since infancy.

Choice C rationale

Inducing labor to avoid tetanus in the fetus is not a recommended action. The focus should be on providing immediate protection to the mother to prevent infection.

Choice D rationale

Administration of tetanus immune globulin after delivery delays necessary immediate protection. The risk of tetanus infection is immediate, so prompt administration is required.