During a clinic visit, a client reports to the nurse that she is having burning and numbness in her perineal area.
Further investigation reveals the client has herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II. Which information concerning herpes infection during pregnancy should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?

Choice A reason:
At 37 weeks, especially in gestational diabetes, fetal lungs may still be immature. Amniocentesis checks lung maturity to ensure the baby can breathe effectively if early delivery is needed due to fetal compromise.

Choice B reason:
Fetal renal function is not typically assessed through amniocentesis at term. Kidney function is monitored via ultrasound, not by analyzing amniotic fluid at 37 weeks.

Choice C reason:
Amniotic fluid glucose levels are not used to manage gestational diabetes. Maternal blood glucose is the standard for monitoring and treatment.

Choice D reason:
Congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy. By 37 weeks, the focus of amniocentesis is on delivery planning, not anomaly detection.

The correct answer is choice C. Ask what the patient ate and drank within the last day or two.This is because the nurse needs to assess the patient’s current nutritional status and eating habits before providing any education or advice.The nurse can then tailor the counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.

Choice A is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for the patient’s own growth and development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

Choice B is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the relationship between the patient’s eating habits and fetal development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

Choice D is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to discuss with the patient the basic nutritional requirements of pregnancy, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

The normal ranges for nutritional intake during pregnancy vary depending on the age, weight, activity level, and health status of the patient.

However, some general guidelines are:

• Increase calorie intake by about 300 calories per day

• Increase protein intake by about 25 grams per day

• Increase calcium intake by about 1000 milligrams per day

• Increase iron intake by about 27 milligrams per day

• Increase folic acid intake by about 600 micrograms per day

• Increase fluid intake by about 8 to 10 cups per day