Question

The nurse provides postnatal care for a client diagnosed with gestational diabetes who delivered by cesarean delivery at 37 weeks gestation about 3 hours ago. The infant's Apgar scores were 6 and 8, and birth weight 10 lbs (4535.9 g). The client tells the nurse, I can't believe how big my baby is, and I even delivered early. Which response by the nurse is best?

a) Your baby's size is normal for gestational age.
b) Large babies are common with gestational diabetes.
c) It's essential to monitor blood sugar levels in your baby.
d) Cesarean delivery is often associated with larger babies.

Answer 1

The best response to the mother's concern about her baby's size is to inform her that large babies are common with gestational diabetes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response from the nurse to a client who has given birth to a large infant and has a history of gestational diabetes would be: b) Large babies are common with gestational diabetes. This statement addresses the mother's concern directly and provides an explanation related to her medical condition. It is well-established that gestational diabetes can lead to macrosomia, which is the medical term for a baby that is significantly larger than average at birth. It is essential for both the mother and baby to monitor their blood sugar levels after delivery, as gestational diabetes can influence the baby's health.