A nurse is teaching a prenatal client about listeriosis and dietary modifications during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause potassium and chloride loss, leading to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Hypokalemia decreases hydrogen ion excretion, increasing bicarbonate levels. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by pH >7.45 and HCO₃⁻ >26 mEq/L rather than decreased PaCO₂.

Choice B rationale: Vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis due to gastric acid loss. Hydrogen ion depletion increases bicarbonate concentration, shifting pH above normal. Arterial blood gases typically show increased HCO₃⁻ (>26 mEq/L) with a compensatory increase in PaCO₂ (>45 mmHg), not respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C rationale: Salicylate intoxication initially induces hyperventilation, reducing PaCO₂ levels below 35 mmHg and increasing pH above 7.45, leading to respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis may develop due to lactic acid accumulation, but early stages primarily present with respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D rationale: Hypoventilation leads to CO₂ retention, increasing PaCO₂ above 45 mmHg, forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and causing respiratory acidosis. Blood gases show pH <7.35 with elevated PaCO₂, not respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by excessive CO₂ elimination through hyperventilation.

The correct answer is choiceA. Continue to monitor the client.

Choice A rationale:

Early decelerations are typically benign and are caused by fetal head compression during contractions.They usually do not require any specific intervention other than continued monitoring to ensure they remain early decelerations and do not progress to more concerning patterns.

Choice B rationale:

Discontinuing oxytocin is not necessary for early decelerations, as they are not indicative of fetal distress.Oxytocin would be discontinued if there were signs of more severe decelerations or other complications.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to lay on her right side is not specifically required for early decelerations.This position change is more commonly used for variable or late decelerations to improve uteroplacental blood flow.

Choice D rationale:

Administering oxygen at 8 L/min per mask is not needed for early decelerations.Oxygen is typically reserved for situations where there is evidence of fetal hypoxia or distress.