While reviewing exercises to do when pregnant, a client of European descent tells the nurse that she was taught never to reach over the head because this will harm the baby. Based on this data, which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Question

A) Provide dietary instruction to ensure the client does not gain excessive weight.
B) Suggest limiting exercise to household chores.
C) Provide alternative activities to do instead of exercise.
D) Assure that reaching over the head will not harm the baby.

Answer 1

Answer: D

Clients of European descent may believe that reaching over the head during pregnancy can harm the baby. The nurse should assure the client that this is not accurate. Providing activities to do instead of exercise will not address the misconception that reaching over the head will harm the baby. Dietary instruction during pregnancy is important to ensure a healthy weight gain for a healthy baby, not to ensure the client does not gain excessive weight because of lack of exercise. There is not enough information to determine if the client should limit exercise to household chores.