The nurse should know that once human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the body, seroconversion to HIV positivity usually occurs within:

Choice A reason: Insulin is the preferred medication for gestational diabetes mellitus, as it does not cross the placenta and has no adverse effects on the fetus. It can be administered subcutaneously or intravenously, depending on the blood glucose level and the type of insulin.

Choice B reason: Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic agent that belongs to the sulfonylurea class. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin and lowers the blood glucose level. However, it is not recommended for gestational diabetes mellitus, as it can cross the placenta and cause hypoglycemia, macrosomia, or teratogenic effects on the fetus.

Choice C reason: Acarbose is an oral antidiabetic agent that belongs to the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor class. It delays the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine and reduces the postprandial blood glucose level. However, it is not recommended for gestational diabetes mellitus, as it can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as flatulence, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, and may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

Choice D reason: Repaglinide is an oral antidiabetic agent that belongs to the meglitinide class. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin and lowers the blood glucose level. However, it is not recommended for gestational diabetes mellitus, as it can cross the placenta and cause hypoglycemia, macrosomia, or teratogenic effects on the fetus.

Choice A: Decreased production of erythrocytes

This is not the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. While erythrocyte production may be affected in certain conditions, it is not directly linked to iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy¹.

Choice B: Inadequate intake of iron

This is the correct answer. During pregnancy, the body needs more iron to make hemoglobin for the increased volume of blood. If the intake of iron is not sufficient, it could lead to iron deficiency anemia¹.

Choice C: Dilution of hemoglobin concentration

While it's true that the blood volume increases during pregnancy, leading to a relative dilution of hemoglobin, this is not the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia. The main issue is the lack of sufficient iron intake¹.

Choice D: The fetus establishing iron stores

While the fetus does require iron, which it gets from the mother, this is not the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. The main issue is still the mother's inadequate intake of iron¹.