A pregnant client in the first trimester calls the nurse at a health care clinic and reports that she has noticed a thin, colorless vaginal drainage. The nurse should make which statement to the client?

“Come to the clinic immediately.” “The vaginal discharge may be bothersome, but is a normal occurrence.”“Report to the emergency department at the maternity center immediately.”“Use tampons if the discharge is bothersome, but be sure to change the tampons every 2 hours.”

Explanation.

Leukorrhea begins during the first trimester. Many clients notice a thin, colorless or yellow vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy. Some clients become distressed about this condition, but it does not require that the client report to the health care clinic or emergency department immediately. If vaginal discharge is profuse, the client may use panty liners, but she should not wear tampons because of the risk of infection. If the client uses panty liners, she should change them frequently.