NCLEX · Antepartum, Newborn, and Postpartum Care

A pregnant client asks about recommended weight gain during pregnancy. The nurse explains that recommended weight gain is primarily based on:

Correct answer

The client's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI)

  1. A The client's age only
  2. B The baby's gender
  3. C The client's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI)
  4. D The client's height only

Why this is the answer

Recommended pregnancy WEIGHT GAIN is based primarily on the client's PRE-PREGNANCY BMI (body mass index). General guidelines: NORMAL BMI (18.5-24.9): gain about 25-35 lbs; UNDERWEIGHT (BMI <18.5): gain more (about 28-40 lbs); OVERWEIGHT (BMI 25-29.9): gain less (about 15-25 lbs); OBESE (BMI ≥30): gain about 11-20 lbs. NCLEX-PN health promotion/maternal health. Appropriate weight gain supports fetal growth while minimizing complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, macrosomia). Multiple gestation (twins) requires more. Knowing that recommended gain is individualized by pre-pregnancy BMI is a tested prenatal health-promotion concept.
Source: NCLEX-PN Health Promotion — Pregnancy Weight Gain

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Antepartum, Newborn, and Postpartum Care and other topics.

Take the PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance practice test →

About this topic: Antepartum, Newborn, and Postpartum Care

Antepartum, newborn and postpartum questions cover prenatal care and warning signs, normal newborn assessment and care, breastfeeding support, and the postpartum changes and complications to watch for. This is one of 11 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on antepartum, newborn, and postpartum care, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.