NCLEX-RNHealth Promotion and MaintenanceEasy
A nurse is providing education to a primigravida client at 10 weeks' gestation about common discomforts of pregnancy. The client reports experiencing frequent nausea and vomiting, especially in the mornings. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse prioritize?
- AEncourage consuming a bedtime snack high in protein.
- BRecommend drinking a large glass of water with each meal.
- CAdvise eating small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- DSuggest avoiding all fatty and spicy foods.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Advise eating small, frequent meals throughout the day.
Eating small, frequent meals helps keep the stomach from becoming too empty, which can trigger nausea, and avoids overfilling the stomach, which can worsen vomiting. This is a primary, evidence-based intervention for morning sickness.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While a protein snack can help, it's not as universally effective or prioritized as small, frequent meals throughout the day for managing nausea and vomiting.
- B. Drinking large amounts of fluid with meals can distend the stomach and worsen nausea; fluids are better consumed between meals.
- D. While avoiding some trigger foods is helpful, a blanket restriction of all fatty and spicy foods may be too broad and not address the underlying issue of an empty stomach.
Morning Sickness Management
Strategies to alleviate nausea and vomiting, common in early pregnancy, often exacerbated by an empty stomach or strong odors.
- Typically occurs in the first trimester.
- Can be managed with dietary adjustments.
- Severe cases may require antiemetic medication.
Memory trick: Small Bites Keep Nausea Light