A client who recently learned of being pregnant tells the nurse that she stopped eating meat years ago and started eating fish daily because it is healthier.Which teaching points are appropriate for this client based on her current diet? Select all that apply.
A) Avoid shrimp, salmon, and catfish because these have higher mercury levels.
B) Eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish.
C) Avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna.
D) Eat plenty of fish such as swordfish and shark while pregnant.
E) Follow a complete vegetarian diet while pregnant as an alternative to eating fish.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Mercury can place the developing nervous system of the fetus at risk and cause negative effects on cognitive functioning. The nurse should instruct the client to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish. The nurse should advise the client to avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna. Swordfish and shark should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury. The nurse should not suggest that the client consume a complete vegetarian diet because this could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. The nurse should encourage the client to consume shrimp, salmon, and catfish, because these fish have the least amount of mercury.
B) Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Mercury can place the developing nervous system of the fetus at risk and cause negative effects on cognitive functioning. The nurse should instruct the client to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish. The nurse should advise the client to avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna. Swordfish and shark should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury. The nurse should not suggest that the client consume a complete vegetarian diet because this could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. The nurse should encourage the client to consume shrimp, salmon, and catfish, because these fish have the least amount of mercury.
C) Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Mercury can place the developing nervous system of the fetus at risk and cause negative effects on cognitive functioning. The nurse should instruct the client to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish. The nurse should advise the client to avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna. Swordfish and shark should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury. The nurse should not suggest that the client consume a complete vegetarian diet because this could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. The nurse should encourage the client to consume shrimp, salmon, and catfish, because these fish have the least amount of mercury.
D) Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Mercury can place the developing nervous system of the fetus at risk and cause negative effects on cognitive functioning. The nurse should instruct the client to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish. The nurse should advise the client to avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna. Swordfish and shark should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury. The nurse should not suggest that the client consume a complete vegetarian diet because this could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. The nurse should encourage the client to consume shrimp, salmon, and catfish, because these fish have the least amount of mercury.
E) Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Mercury can place the developing nervous system of the fetus at risk and cause negative effects on cognitive functioning. The nurse should instruct the client to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish. The nurse should advise the client to avoid albacore tuna because it has more mercury than other canned tuna. Swordfish and shark should be avoided because they contain high levels of mercury. The nurse should not suggest that the client consume a complete vegetarian diet because this could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. The nurse should encourage the client to consume shrimp, salmon, and catfish, because these fish have the least amount of mercury.

A Client Who Recently Learned of Being Pregnant Tells the Nurse