The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which of the following interventions should be implemented first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because instructing the patient to follow a diabetic diet and monitor blood glucose levels is the initial intervention for managing gestational diabetes. This step is crucial in controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications for both the mother and the baby. Administering insulin (option A) may be necessary but is not the first step. Scheduling a cesarean delivery (option C) is not indicated unless there are specific obstetric indications. Starting the patient on antihypertensive medications (option D) is not relevant for managing gestational diabetes unless the patient also has hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regular contractions every 5 minutes for 1 hour. This is a sign of active labor and indicates that the patient should seek immediate medical attention. Contractions at this frequency and duration suggest that labor is progressing and the patient should go to the hospital. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of active labor and do not require immediate medical attention. Feeling pressure in the lower abdomen may be a normal part of pregnancy. A bloody show or loss of the mucous plug can be early signs of labor but do not require immediate attention unless accompanied by other symptoms. A sudden increase in fetal movements is generally considered a positive sign of fetal well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because sudden increase in swelling, especially in hands and face, can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition during pregnancy. Swelling in these areas can be a sign of fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Prompt reporting and intervention are crucial to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Waiting until after the due date to report concerns can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. C: Changes in fetal movement should be reported immediately, not just after the third trimester, as they can indicate fetal distress. D: Headaches and blurry vision, even if not severe, can be symptoms of preeclampsia or other serious conditions that require immediate attention. Waiting for symptoms to worsen can be harmful.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid foods with strong smells and eat small, frequent meals. This suggestion is appropriate as it helps manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Avoiding strong smells can reduce triggers for nausea, and eating small, frequent meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. This approach prevents the stomach from becoming too full or too empty, which can trigger nausea. A: Eating large meals can exacerbate nausea and vomiting due to increased stomach distention. B: Taking anti-nausea medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not safe during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. D: Lying down immediately after meals can worsen symptoms by promoting reflux and indigestion. In summary, Option C is the best choice as it addresses the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because stopping folic acid after the first trimester is incorrect. Folic acid is crucial for the baby's neural tube development, which occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, discontinuing supplementation after the first trimester could increase the risk of neural tube defects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they emphasize the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects and highlight the necessity of consistent supplementation throughout pregnancy for optimal benefits.