18. Which of the following would the nurse use as the basis for the teaching plan when caring for a pregnant teenager concerned about gaining too much weight during pregnancy?

A. 10 pounds per trimester
B. 1 pound per week for 40 weeks
C. 1/2 pound per week for 40 weeks
D. A total gain of 25 to 35 pounds



Answer :

To determine which of the stated weight gain options is the most appropriate for a pregnant teenager concerned about gaining too much weight during pregnancy, let's break down each option:

1. 10 pounds per trimester:
- There are three trimesters in a pregnancy.
- If a pregnant teenager gains 10 pounds each trimester, the total weight gain over the entire pregnancy would be 30 pounds.

2. 1 pound per week for 40 weeks:
- A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.
- If a pregnant teenager gains 1 pound every week, the total weight gain over the entire pregnancy would be 40 pounds.

3. 1/2 pound per week for 40 weeks:
- If a pregnant teenager gains 1/2 pound every week for 40 weeks, the total weight gain over the entire pregnancy would be 20 pounds.

4. A total gain of 25 to 35 pounds:
- This option suggests a recommended range for total weight gain.
- The minimum weight gain suggested is 25 pounds and the maximum is 35 pounds.

Summarizing the above calculations:
- Option 1 results in a total weight gain of 30 pounds.
- Option 2 results in a total weight gain of 40 pounds.
- Option 3 results in a total weight gain of 20 pounds.
- Option 4 suggests a range of total weight gain between 25 and 35 pounds.

Given these breakdowns, the recommended total weight gain during pregnancy is usually between 25 and 35 pounds. Hence, the most appropriate instruction for the pregnant teenager concerned about gaining too much weight would be based on option 4, which aligns with the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds.