A nurse should assess a primigravid client’s diet for deficiency in which nutrient, considering her background?

Assessing a primigravid client’s diet for calcium deficiency is particularly important due to several reasons. Calcium is essential for the development of the fetus's bones and teeth, as well as for maintaining the mother's bone health during pregnancy. Pregnant women require increased amounts of calcium to support the growing fetus, especially if they plan to breastfeed afterwards, as breastfeeding also demands adequate calcium levels.

A deficiency in calcium during pregnancy can lead to various complications, such as increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and potential issues with fetal development, including insufficient bone mass. The recommended dietary allowance for calcium during pregnancy increases to about 1,000 mg daily for most adult women, making it crucial for the nurse to assess dietary intake to ensure that the client meets these needs.

While other nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and iodine are important for overall health and prenatal care, calcium is particularly critical in the context of a first-time mother’s nutritional assessment, as it directly relates to fetal development and maternal bone integrity. Therefore, focusing on calcium is vital for ensuring both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.