The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about prenatal nutritional needs. The nurse should include which information in the patient’ s teaching plan?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SGPGI Staff Nurse Official Paper (Held On: 28 Feb, 2024 Shift 1)

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All mothers are at a high risk of nutritional deficiencies
Calcium intake is not necessary until the third trimester
Iron supplements are not necessary unless the mother has iron deficiency anaemia
The nutritional status of the mother significantly influences foetal growth and development

Answer 1

Correct Answer: The nutritional status of the mother significantly influences foetal growth and development

Rationale:

Prenatal nutrition is a critical component of ensuring the health and proper development of the fetus. A mother’s nutritional status directly impacts fetal growth, organ development, and long-term health outcomes.
The fetus depends entirely on the nutrients provided by the mother, and deficiencies in essential nutrients can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, or developmental abnormalities.
Key nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, protein, and essential fatty acids are crucial during pregnancy. These nutrients support the formation of fetal tissues, bone development, and the prevention of neural tube defects.
A well-balanced diet, alongside prenatal vitamins as recommended by healthcare providers, is essential to meet the increased nutritional demands during pregnancy.

Explanation of Other Options:

All mothers are at a high risk of nutritional deficiencies

Rationale: This is incorrect because not all mothers are at high risk. While some may have specific nutritional deficiencies due to pre-existing conditions, dietary restrictions, or socioeconomic factors, others may have adequate nutrition and not fall into a high-risk category. Nutritional requirements vary based on individual health conditions and dietary habits.

Calcium intake is not necessary until the third trimester

Rationale: This is incorrect because calcium is essential throughout pregnancy. It is required for fetal bone and teeth development, as well as for maintaining the mother’s bone health. Calcium demands increase as the pregnancy progresses, but adequate intake is necessary from the beginning to prevent maternal bone loss and to meet fetal needs.

Iron supplements are not necessary unless the mother has iron deficiency anemia

Rationale: This is incorrect because iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy due to the increase in maternal blood volume and the need to supply oxygen to the fetus. Even mothers without diagnosed anemia may require iron supplements to prevent deficiency, as dietary intake alone may not be sufficient to meet the increased demand.

Conclusion:

The correct answer highlights the importance of maternal nutrition in influencing fetal growth and development. Proper prenatal nutrition supports both maternal health and fetal outcomes, reducing risks of complications and ensuring the baby’s optimal development.
Healthcare providers should emphasize the significance of a well-rounded diet, appropriate supplementation, and regular monitoring during pregnancy to address any nutritional deficiencies or concerns.