The prenatal clinic nurse is caring for a 15-year-old primiparous patient who is at 8 weeks' gestation. The patient asks the nurse why she is supposed to gain so much weight. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "Gaining 25–35 pounds is recommended for healthy fetal growth."
2. "It's what your certified nurse–midwife recommended for you."
3. "Inadequate weight gain delays lactation after delivery."
4. "Weight gain is important to ensure that you get enough vitamins."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: For an appropriate-weight woman, 25–35 pounds of weight gain is recommended for optimal fetal growth and development.
Rationale 2: Although this statement might be true, the patient has asked a "why" question that should be directly answered.
Rationale 3: Inadequate weight gain can lead to decreased fetal growth and development.
Rationale 4: Vitamin intake is related to the types of food consumed, not to caloric intake. Because this patient is 15, her diet is probably not optimal, and empty calories and/or junk food might make up the majority of her calorie intake.