Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. A client who is a 38-year-old gravida 1, para 0 with type 2 non–insulin-dependent diabetes, is 6 weeks pregnant. She asks a clinic nurse how she should manage her diabetes now that she is pregnant. Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
. "You can control your blood sugar with oral hypoglycemic agents."
. "You can control your blood sugar with insulin injections."
. "You can control your blood sugar with dietary changes."
. "You can control your blood sugar by exercising more."
Test-Taking Tip
This client had diabetes before pregnancy and is asking how to manage her blood sugar. Eliminate the options that are only for controlling gestational diabetes.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Potential for Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because oral hypoglycemic agents cross the placenta and can cause fetal anomalies during the first trimester of pregnancy. Answer 2 is correct because insulin does not cross the placenta and is safe for use in pregnancy. Answer 3 is incorrect because only gestational diabetes can be treated with diet during pregnancy. Answer 4 is incorrect because only gestational diabetes can be treated with exercise during pregnancy.