Deck 8: Maternal and Fetal Nutrition

Question 1

A woman has come to the clinic for preconception counseling because she wants to start trying to get pregnant in 3 months. She can expect the following advice:

A) "Discontinue all contraception now."
B) "Lose weight so that you can gain more during pregnancy."
C) "You may take any medications you have been taking regularly."
D) "Make sure that you include adequate folic acid in your diet."

Answer 1

"Make sure that you include adequate folic acid in your diet."

Question 2

To prevent gastrointestinal upset, patients should be instructed to take iron supplements:

A) On a full stomach.
B) At bedtime.
C) After eating a meal.
D) With milk.

Answer 2

At bedtime.

Question 3

Which nutrient's recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is higher during lactation than during pregnancy?

A) Energy (kcal)
B) Iron
C) Vitamin A
D) Folic acid

Answer 3

Energy (kcal)

Question 4

A pregnant woman experiencing nausea and vomiting should:

A) Drink a glass of water with a fat-free carbohydrate before getting out of bed in the morning.
B) Eat small, frequent meals (every 2 to 3 hours).
C) Increase her intake of high-fat foods to keep the stomach full and coated.
D) Limit fluid intake throughout the day.

Question 5

Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies can use the nurse as their primary source for nutritional information. The nurse or midwife should refer a patient to a registered dietitian for in-depth nutritional counseling when which of the following exist(s)? (Choose all that apply.)

A) Preexisting or gestational illness such as diabetes
B) Ethnic or cultural food patterns
C) Obesity
D) Vegetarian diets
E) None of the above

Question 6

With regard to protein in the diet of pregnant women, nurses should be aware that:

A) Many protein-rich foods are also good sources of calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
B) Many women need to increase their protein intake during pregnancy.
C) As with carbohydrates and fat, no specific recommendations exist for the amount of protein in the diet.
D) High-protein supplements can be used without risk by women on macrobiotic diets.

Question 7

While taking a diet history, the nurse might be told that the expectant mother has cravings for ice chips, cornstarch, and baking soda. This represents a nutritional problem known as:

A) Preeclampsia.
B) Pyrosis.
C) Pica.
D) Purging.

Question 8

Pregnant adolescents are at high risk for _____ because of lower body mass indices (BMIs) and "fad" dieting.

A) Obesity
B) Diabetes
C) Low-birth-weight babies
D) High-birth-weight babies

Question 9

Which statement made by a lactating woman would lead the nurse to believe that the woman might have lactose intolerance?

A) "I always have heartburn after I drink milk."
B) "If I drink more than a cup of milk, I usually have abdominal cramps and bloating."
C) "Drinking milk usually makes me break out in hives."
D) "Sometimes I notice that I have bad breath after I drink a cup of milk."

Question 10

Nutrition is one of the most significant factors in influencing the outcome of a pregnancy. It is an alterable and important preventive measure for a variety of potential problems such as low birth weight and prematurity. While completing the physical assessment of the pregnant patient, the nurse can evaluate the patient's nutritional status by observing a number of physical signs. Which sign would indicate that the patient has unmet nutritional needs?

A) Normal heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure
B) Bright, clear, shiny eyes
C) Alert, responsive, and good endurance
D) Edema, tender calves, and tingling

Question 11

A 22-year-old woman pregnant with a single fetus has a preconception body mass index (BMI) of 24. When she was seen in the clinic at 14 weeks of gestation, she had gained 1.8 kg (4 lb) since conception. How would the nurse interpret this?

A) This weight gain indicates possible gestational hypertension.
B) This weight gain indicates that the woman's infant is at risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
C) This weight gain cannot be evaluated until the woman has been observed for several more weeks.
D) The woman's weight gain is appropriate for this stage of pregnancy.

Question 12

Which nutritional recommendation about fluids is accurate?

A) A woman's daily intake should be eight to 10 glasses (2.3 L) of water, milk, and/or juice.
B) Coffee should be limited to no more than 2 cups, but tea and cocoa can be consumed without worry.
C) Of the artificial sweeteners, only aspartame has not been associated with any maternity health concerns.
D) Water with fluoride is especially encouraged because it reduces the child's risk of tooth decay.

Question 13

A 27-year-old pregnant woman had a preconceptual body mass index (BMI) of 18.0. The nurse knows that this woman's total recommended weight gain during pregnancy should be at least:

A) 20 kg (44 lb).
B) 16 kg (35 lb).
C) 12.5 kg (27.5 lb).
D) 10 kg (22 lb).

Question 14

Which vitamins or minerals can lead to congenital malformations of the fetus if taken in excess by the mother?

A) Zinc
B) Vitamin D
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin A

Question 15

Which statement about acronyms in nutrition is accurate?

A) Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) consist of RDAs, adequate intakes (AIs), and upper limits (ULs).
B) Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are the same as ULs, except with better data.
C) AIs offer guidelines for avoiding excessive amounts of nutrients.
D) They all refer to green, leafy vegetables; whole grains; and fruit.

Question 16

A pregnant woman's diet history indicates that she likes the following list of foods. The nurse would encourage this woman to consume more of which food to increase her calcium intake?

A) Fresh apricots
B) Canned clams
C) Spaghetti with meat sauce
D) Canned sardines

Question 17

Three servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese plus two servings of meat, poultry, or fish will adequately supply the recommended amount of protein for the pregnant woman. Many patients are concerned about the increased levels of mercury in fish and may be afraid to include this source of nutrients in their diet. Sound advice by the nurse to assist the patient in determining which fish is safe to consume would include:

A) Canned white tuna is a preferred choice.
B) Avoid shark, swordfish, and mackerel.
C) Fish caught in local waterways are the safest.
D) Salmon and shrimp contain high levels of mercury.

Question 18

To help a woman reduce the severity of nausea caused by morning sickness, the nurse might suggest that she:

A) Try a tart food or drink such as lemonade or salty foods such as potato chips.
B) Drink plenty of fluids early in the day.
C) Brush her teeth immediately after eating.
D) Never snack before bedtime.

Question 19

Which of the following meals would provide the most absorbable iron?

A) Toasted cheese sandwich, celery sticks, tomato slices, and a grape drink
B) Oatmeal, whole wheat toast, jelly, and low-fat milk
C) Black bean soup, wheat crackers, ambrosia (orange sections, coconut, and pecans), and prunes
D) Red beans and rice, cornbread, mixed greens, and decaffeinated tea

Question 20

A woman in week 34 of pregnancy reports that she is very uncomfortable because of heartburn. The nurse would suggest that the woman:

A) Substitute other calcium sources for milk in her diet.
B) Lie down after each meal.
C) Reduce the amount of fiber she consumes.
D) Eat five small meals daily.