Question

The nurse instructs a pregnant client with gestational diabetes about the appropriate diet. the nurse determines the teaching is effective if the client selects which dessert?

a. apple pie
b. ice cream
c. fresh fruit
d. granola bar

Answer 1

The most suitable dessert choice for a pregnant client with gestational diabetes among the options provided would be fresh fruit (c).

c. fresh fruit

Step-by-step explanation:

Unlike apple pie (a), ice cream (b), or a granola bar (d), fresh fruit is a preferable option due to its lower glycemic index and natural sugars, which have a milder impact on blood sugar levels.

Fresh fruits like berries, apples, and citrus fruits contain natural sugars along with fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels more effectively than processed desserts. For instance, a medium-sized apple has around 19 grams of carbohydrates, while a half-cup of vanilla ice cream contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates, but the latter lacks the beneficial fiber content found in fresh fruit.

Gestational diabetes demands careful monitoring of carbohydrate intake to manage blood sugar levels. Given that fruits typically have a lower glycemic index than most desserts, they are a more suitable choice. For instance, a granola bar may contain added sugars and a higher carbohydrate content than fresh fruit, affecting blood sugar levels more significantly. Therefore, choosing fresh fruit aligns with the dietary guidelines for managing gestational diabetes by promoting lower glycemic options.