Question

Nurse provides dietary teaching to a patient at 8 weeks of gestation and is overweight. Which statements by the patient should the nurse ID as understanding teaching?

a) I should limit sweets and sugary beverages.
b) I need to increase my daily calorie intake.
c) I can skip meals to control my weight gain.
d) A high-protein diet is not necessary during pregnancy.

Answer 1

Understanding dietary teaching, the patient should limit sugary foods and drinks, not skip meals, include protein in their diet, and increase daily calorie intake only by 300 calories during the second and third trimesters.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify that the patient understands the dietary teaching if the patient states, "I should limit sweets and sugary beverages." Additionally, it is crucial for the patient to know that during pregnancy, the need for calories is not doubled, and an increase of about 300 calories is generally sufficient during the second and third trimesters to support the growing fetus. Moreover, pregnant individuals should not skip meals to manage weight gain, nor should they disregard the importance of a diet that includes adequate protein, which is essential for the development of the fetus.

The patient should focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and a variety of protein sources. Also, mindful consumption of food is recommended, limiting extras such as sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. Constant hydration is important, and water or unsweetened beverages should be chosen over sweetened beverages.