In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a common approach for women with blocked fallopian tubes or unexplained infertility and for men with very low sperm counts. A husband and wife have arrived for their preprocedural interview. The husband asks the nurse to explain what the procedure entails. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer, as the pregnant woman does not use glucose at a more rapid rate than the nonpregnant woman. In fact, the pregnant woman has lower fasting glucose levels and higher postprandial glucose levels than the nonpregnant woman. This is because the pregnant woman adapts to the increased fetal demand for glucose by increasing her insulin secretion and decreasing her hepatic glucose production.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer, as placental hormones are antagonistic to insulin, thus resulting in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells do not respond well to insulin and require more insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Placental hormones, such as human placental lactogen, progesterone, and cortisol, increase the insulin resistance of the maternal tissues, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This is to ensure that the fetus has enough glucose supply, as the placenta is not insulin resistant and can transport glucose to the fetus².

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer, as pancreatic function in the islets of Langerhans is not affected by pregnancy. The islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, that regulate glucose metabolism. Pregnancy does not impair the function of the islets of Langerhans, but rather stimulates them to increase their size and number. This is to compensate for the increased insulin resistance and glucose demand of the pregnancy.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer, as the pregnant woman does not increase her dietary intake significantly. The pregnant woman needs to consume adequate calories and nutrients to support the fetal growth and development, but not excessively. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy depends on the pre-pregnancy BMI of the woman, but generally ranges from 11 to 16 kg. The recommended calorie intake during pregnancy is about 300 kcal more than the pre-pregnancy intake, which is equivalent to one extra snack per day.

The correct answer is: B. 3-1-1-0-3.

Choice A reason:

This option suggests the woman has been pregnant four times, which is incorrect. She has had three pregnancies: one set of twins (counted as one pregnancy) and two singletons.

Choice B reason:

This is the correct option. The woman has had three pregnancies (Gravida = 3), one full-term delivery (Term = 1), one preterm delivery (the twins, Preterm = 1), no abortions (Abortions = 0), and three living children (Living = 3).

Choice C reason:

This option incorrectly suggests two preterm deliveries and one abortion, neither of which is indicated in the woman's history.

Choice D reason:

This option incorrectly suggests two preterm deliveries (the twins are counted as one preterm delivery) and does not accurately reflect the woman's history.

GTPAL stands for Gravida (total number of pregnancies), Term births (deliveries after 37 weeks), Preterm births (deliveries between 20-36 weeks), Abortions (losses before 20 weeks), and Living children. Normal ranges: Term (≥37 weeks), Preterm (20-36 weeks)