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

Question

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 includes a. Canned white tuna as a preferred choice
b. Avoiding shark, swordfish, and mackerel
c. Treating fish caught in local waterways as the safest
d. Avoiding high levels of mercury in salmon and shrimp

Answer 1

B
Feedback
A High levels of mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus. It is
essential for the nurse to assist the patient in understanding the differences between
numerous sources of this product. A pregnant patient can eat as much as 12 ounces a
week of canned light tuna; however, canned white, albacore, or tuna steaks contain
higher levels of mercury and should be limited to no more than 6 ounces per week.
B As a precaution the pregnant patient should avoid eating all of these as well as the less
common tilefish.
C This is a common misconception. Pregnant women and mothers of young children
should check with local advisories about the safety of fish caught by families and
friends in nearby bodies of water. If no information is available, these fish sources
should be avoided, limited to less than 6 ounces, or the only fish consumed that week.
D Commercially caught fish that is low in mercury includes salmon, shrimp, pollock, or
catfish. The pregnant patient may eat up to 12 ounces per week.