A nurse is teaching a client with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) regarding self-care activities. Which activities should the nurse include in her teaching?

Choice A reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.

Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.

Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.

Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.

Choice A reason: "I know I am at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the long-term implications of gestational diabetes. The client should be aware that gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and that she should have regular screening and follow-up.

Choice B reason: "I will take my glyburide daily with breakfast." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the medication regimen for gestational diabetes. The client should take glyburide, a sulfonylurea that lowers blood glucose levels, as prescribed by the provider, and monitor her blood glucose levels before and after meals.

Choice C reason: "I will reduce my exercise schedule to 3 days a week." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the importance of physical activity for gestational diabetes. The client should exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, unless contraindicated by the provider. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and prevent excessive weight gain.

Choice D reason: "I should limit my carbohydrates to 50% of caloric intake." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the dietary guidelines for gestational diabetes. The client should consume a balanced diet that provides adequate but not excessive amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and that is consistent in carbohydrate intake throughout the day.