A patient postdelivery is concerned about getting back to her prepregnancy weight as soon as possible. She had only gained 15 lb during her pregnancy. Which assessment factor would be of concern at her 6-week postpartum checkup?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is (A) because losing 30 lb in the 6-week postpartum period is concerning as it is excessive and may indicate underlying health issues like hyperthyroidism or inadequate nutrition. This rapid weight loss can also affect the mother's energy levels, milk production, and overall health. Choice (B) is incorrect as eating healthy and limiting processed foods is a positive behavior that supports weight management. Choice (C) is also incorrect as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for overall health. Choice (D) is incorrect because resuming a light exercise routine like walking is generally encouraged postpartum, as long as it is done safely and does not lead to excessive strain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The patient has been taking an additional 400 mcg of folic acid prior to pregnancy. Step 2: Folic acid is crucial in the early stages of pregnancy for neural tube development. Step 3: By 8 weeks' gestation, the neural tube has already formed. Step 4: Prenatal vitamins typically contain the recommended amount of folic acid. Step 5: Therefore, the nurse would recommend the patient to stop taking additional folic acid as it's included in prenatal vitamins.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low body mass index (<18.5) indicates underweight, which is a risk factor for delivering a low-birth-weight infant. Underweight individuals may have inadequate nutrition and lower reserves for a healthy pregnancy. Choice A is less likely as the patient has a normal prepregnant weight. Choice C's prepregnant weight being above the norm suggests a healthy weight. Choice D's total weight gain in previous pregnancies being 33 lb indicates a healthy weight maintenance during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: eliminating drinks containing aspartame. Patients with phenylketonuria lack the enzyme to metabolize phenylalanine, found in aspartame. Avoiding aspartame-containing products is crucial to prevent phenylalanine buildup. Choice A is incorrect as vitamin C is not directly related to phenylketonuria. Choice C is incorrect as protein restriction is necessary, but the recommended intake is individualized and not a fixed amount. Choice D is incorrect as caloric intake is important, but the focus should be on managing phenylalanine levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because weight gain in pregnancy should be individualized based on the patient's prepregnant body mass index (BMI). This is important as it takes into consideration the patient's starting weight and helps to determine a healthy range of weight gain to support both maternal and fetal health. This approach is evidence-based and helps to prevent complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: This statement is incorrect because not all pregnant women need to gain the same amount of weight. Weight gain recommendations vary based on the patient's BMI. B: This statement is incorrect as it provides a specific number for weight gain, which may not be accurate for all pregnant women. Weight gain should be individualized based on BMI. D: This statement is incorrect because weight gain recommendations are distributed evenly across the trimesters, not necessarily more in the first and second trimesters and less in the third.