Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
20. A 40-year-old client at 9 weeks' gestation presents to an obstetric clinic complaining of nausea and vomiting every morning when she awakens. Which intervention should a nurse recommend for this client?
. Eat a handful of peanuts before getting out of bed.
. Increase her intake of high-fat foods.
. Drink a carbonated beverage before bedtime.
. Eat dry, unsalted crackers before getting out of bed.
Test-Taking Tip
The key to this question is assisting the client to manage her symptoms that occur upon waking. Choose the option that best treats the client's major concern (nausea and vomiting).
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
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Answer 1 is incorrect because eating peanuts before getting out of bed avoids having an empty stomach, but the peanuts are high in fat and slowly digested, which can add to the hyperemesis symptoms. Answer 2 is incorrect because a client with hyperemesis should eat foods that are easy to digest, such as: toast, crackers, bagels, pretzels, cereal, rice, pasta, and potatoes. A high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet is best tolerated by clients with hyperemesis. Answer 3 is incorrect because drinking carbonated beverages can assist in preventing the dehydration associated with hyperemesis, but it will not help with nausea and vomiting that the client experiences upon waking. She should be drinking throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Suggestions include: tea, juices, water and carbonated beverages. Answer 4 is correct because eating a small amount of easily digested carbohydrate can help decrease nausea and vomiting. To avoid having an empty stomach, the crackers should be eaten before getting out of bed.