A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is pregnant and has phenylketonuria (PKU). Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to eliminate from her diet?

Choice A rationale

While seeing a counselor could be beneficial for some women experiencing doubts and second thoughts about their pregnancy, it is not necessarily the first or only option. Many women experience a range of emotions during pregnancy, and these feelings are often temporary.

Choice B rationale

Telling a woman not to worry and that she will be fine once the baby is born may minimize her feelings and concerns. It’s important to validate her feelings and provide support.

Choice C rationale

While talking to a trusted family member or friend can be helpful, it’s not the only option. Some women may not feel comfortable discussing their feelings with family members.

Choice D rationale

Ambivalent feelings are quite common for women early in pregnancy. It’s a time of significant change, and it’s normal to have mixed feelings about it. It can be helpful to discuss these feelings with a healthcare provider, who can provide reassurance and resources.

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.