A nurse midwife is managing the nutritional status of a 23-year-old client at 8 weeks' gestation. It is the client's first prenatal visit. The client has a BMI of 18. Which of the following interventions is the most appropriate for the client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When managing the nutritional status of an underweight client, adding between 500 and 1,000 calories per day to the client's total caloric intake is the most appropriate intervention. A high-protein diet should be avoided during pregnancy. High-protein foods add more solute load to the kidneys and may cause acidosis. It is better to advise the client to eat nutritional foods than to advise her to gain as much weight as she can. The nurse midwife may also develop healthy menus with the client for improved compliance.

A Nurse Midwife Is Managing the Nutritional Status of a 23-Year-Old