Question

The nurse is discussing the insulin needs of a primaparous client with diabetes who has been using insulin for the past few years. The nurse informs the client that her insulin needs will increase during pregnancy based on the nurse's understanding that the placenta produces:

A) hCG, which increases maternal glucose levels
B) hPL, which deceases the effectiveness of insulin
C) Estriol, which interferes with insulin crossing the placenta
D) Relaxin, which decreases the amount of insulin produced

Answer 1

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hPL, which decreases the effectiveness of insulin. As a result, insulin needs increase to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse informs the client that her insulin needs will increase during pregnancy because the placenta produces hPL, which decreases the effectiveness of insulin. High levels of hPL in the blood make the body less responsive to insulin, resulting in an increase in insulin needs to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This is because insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells for energy.