Question

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who is at 13 weeks gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a) Increase your intake of spicy foods.
b) Eat large meals to help reduce nausea.
c) Avoid drinking fluids between meals.
d) Consume caffeine-rich beverages regularly

Answer 1

To manage hyperemesis gravidarum, the nurse should advise the client to avoid drinking fluids between meals, instead of consuming spicy foods, large meals, or caffeine. Encouraging small, frequent meals, limiting unhealthy extras, and staying hydrated are important dietary guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing dietary teaching to a client at 13 weeks gestation with hyperemesis gravidarum should advise against consuming spicy foods, large meals, and caffeine-rich beverages, as these can exacerbate nausea and vomiting. Instead, the nurse should recommend the client avoid drinking fluids between meals to prevent the stomach from becoming too full, which can trigger more nausea. It's important to encourage small, frequent meals and staying hydrated without overloading the stomach at mealtimes. Limiting sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, as well as consuming enough nutritious foods and staying well-hydrated with water or unsweetened beverages, are key dietary considerations during pregnancy.