Final answer:
A nurse should explain to a newly pregnant client with cardiac disease that palpitations are expected, digoxin may be substituted, and maintenance dosages of cardiac medication may increase during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, a woman with cardiac disease should be advised of several important points. First, palpitations are expected as pregnancy progresses. This is due to the increased blood volume and changes in the heart's functioning. So, it is important for the nurse to reassure the client that palpitations are common and not necessarily a cause for concern.
Second, the nurse should inform the client that other cardiac medications may be substituted for digoxin during pregnancy. Digoxin is not recommended during pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and potentially harm the fetus. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate alternative medication based on the client's specific cardiac condition.
Lastly, the nurse should explain that maintenance dosages of cardiac medication will likely need to be increased during pregnancy. This is because the cardiac workload increases as pregnancy progresses, and the body requires higher levels of medication to maintain stability.