After teaching a woman who has had an evacuation for gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole or molar pregnancy! about her condition, which statement indicates that the nurse's teaching was successful?
Explanation & Rationale
A. “I will be sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 year”: After evacuation of a molar pregnancy, pregnancy must be avoided for at least 6 to 12 months to allow monitoring of hCG levels and ensure remission. Rising hCG from a new pregnancy would interfere with detecting persistent trophoblastic disease. B. “My intake of iron will have to be closely monitored for 6 months.”: Iron supplementation may be needed if anemia is present, but it is not the primary focus of post-molar pregnancy management. Ongoing care centers on serial hCG monitoring rather than nutritional intake. C. “My blood pressure will continue to be increased for about 6 more months.”: Hypertension related to molar pregnancy typically resolves after evacuation. Persistent elevated blood pressure is not an expected long-term outcome. D. “I won’t use my birth control pills for at least a year or two.”: Hormonal contraception is recommended after a molar pregnancy to prevent conception during hCG surveillance. Avoiding birth control pills increases the risk of pregnancy and complicates follow-up.