Gestational Diabetes > Maternal & Newborn
Exam Review
Treatment
Total Questions : 6
Showing 6 questions, Sign in for moreA client with gestational diabetes asks the nurse about the preferred medication for controlling blood sugar levels.
The nurse explains that the preferred medication is chosen because it does not cross the placenta and affect the baby.
Which medication is the nurse referring to?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Insulin injections.Insulin is the preferred medication for controlling blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes because it does not cross the placenta and affect the baby.Insulin lowers blood glucose by stimulating glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells and inhibiting glucose production in the liver.
Choice B.Metformin is wrong because metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug that can cross the placenta and may have unknown effects on the baby.Metformin works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells.
Choice C.Glyburide is wrong because glyburide is another oral antidiabetic drug that can cross the placenta and may cause hypoglycemia or other adverse effects in the baby.Glyburide works by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
Choice D.Oral corticosteroids are wrong because oral corticosteroids are not used to treat gestational diabetes, but rather to accelerate fetal lung maturation in preterm labor.Oral corticosteroids can actually increase blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis and decreasing insulin sensitivity.
A nurse is teaching a client with gestational diabetes about the importance of regular antenatal visits.
Which of the following is a primary reason for these visits?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. To monitor the progress of pregnancy and check for any complications.This is the primary reason for regular antenatal visits for women with gestational diabetes, as they are at increased risk of developing hypertension, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, and fetal macrosomia.These visits also allow the health care provider to monitor the blood glucose levels and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Choice B is wrong because insulin injections are not always required for women with gestational diabetes.Some women can manage their blood sugar levels with dietary modifications and exercise alone.
Choice C is wrong because ultrasound scans are not the primary reason for antenatal visits, although they may be performed more frequently for women with gestational diabetes to assess the fetal growth and well-being.
Choice D is wrong because education on dietary modifications during pregnancy is not the primary reason for antenatal visits, although it is an important component of the management of gestational diabetes.Women with gestational diabetes should receive individualized nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian or a certified diabetes educator.
A client with gestational diabetes asks the nurse about the role of exercise in managing blood sugar levels.
The nurse explains that exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
How many minutes of moderate physical activity per day is recommended for this client, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. 30 minutes.According to the CDC, the American Diabetes Association, and other sources, exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity for women with gestational diabetes.
It is recommended that they get at least30 minutesof moderate-intensity physical activity at leastfive days a week, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
Choice A is wrong because 10 minutes of exercise per day is too low to have a significant effect on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Choice B is wrong because 20 minutes of exercise per day is also below the recommended amount for women with gestational diabetes.
Choice D is wrong because 60 minutes of exercise per day may be too much for some women with gestational diabetes, especially if they have other complications or risk factors.
They should consult their healthcare provider before engaging in such a high level of physical activity.
Normal ranges for blood sugar levels during pregnancy are:
• Fasting: less than 95 mg/dL
• One hour after a meal: less than 140 mg/dL
• Two hours after a meal: less than 120 mg/dL
A nurse is discussing the use of medication for gestational diabetes with a client.
Which statement accurately describes the use of oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin or glyburide?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. They are used in cases where diet and exercise are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels.According to a study by Langer et al, oral antidiabetic drugs such as glyburide and metformin are equivalent to insulin in terms of pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).These drugs can help lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, limiting the liver’s production of glucose, or improving the cells’ sensitivity to insulin.
Choice A is wrong because they are not the first-line treatment option for gestational diabetes.The first-line treatment is diet and exercise, which can help control blood sugar levels in most cases of GDM.
Choice B is wrong because they are not necessarily contraindicated during pregnancy.Although there are some potential risks to the baby, such as hypoglycemia or fetal growth restriction, these can be minimized by careful monitoring and dose adjustment.
Choice D is wrong because they are not preferred over insulin injections for their ease of use and convenience.Insulin injections are still the gold standard for treating GDM, especially in cases of severe hyperglycemia or when oral drugs fail to achieve adequate glycemic control.Insulin injections also have fewer side effects and interactions than oral drugs.
A nurse is providing dietary education to a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes.
The nurse should advise the woman to consume how many calories per day during the third trimester of pregnancy?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. 2400 calories.A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes should consume about 2400 calories per day during the third trimester of pregnancy.This is based on the average energy requirement for a pregnant woman, which is about 2200 calories per day plus 200 calories for the baby’s growth.
A woman who is overweight before pregnancy may need fewer calories than this.
Choice A. 1800 calories is wrong because it is too low for a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes.Eating too few calories can cause ketones to build up in the blood, which can harm the baby.
Choice B. 2000 calories is wrong because it is also too low for a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes.It may not provide enough energy and nutrients for the mother and the baby.
Choice C. 2200 calories is wrong because it is the average energy requirement for a pregnant woman without gestational diabetes.A woman with gestational diabetes needs an extra 200 calories per day to support the baby’s growth and development.
A nurse is teaching a pregnant woman who has gestational diabetes about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy.
The nurse should explain that exercise can help the woman by doing which of the following?
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D.Exercise can help the woman by enhancing her insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.
This means that her body can use the glucose in her blood more efficiently and lower her blood sugar levels.Exercise can also help prevent excess weight gain, which is a risk factor for gestational diabetes.
Choice A is wrong because exercise does not increase appetite and caloric intake, but rather helps regulate them.
Choice B is wrong because exercise does not lower blood pressure and heart rate, but rather increases them temporarily during physical activity.Choice C is wrong because exercise does not reduce the risk of preterm labor and delivery, but rather may increase it if done excessively or without proper supervision.
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