What dietary recommendation should the nurse make to a client experiencing nausea at 7 weeks' gestation?

Eating small, frequent meals and incorporating dry crackers between meals is a beneficial dietary recommendation for a client experiencing nausea during pregnancy. This approach can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent the stomach from becoming empty, which often exacerbates feelings of nausea. The intake of dry crackers specifically can be particularly helpful because they are bland and can absorb gastric acid, leading to a reduction in nausea.

This strategy ensures that the client is taking in a consistent amount of food without overwhelming the digestive system, which can be particularly sensitive during early pregnancy. It also encourages hydration and nutrition in a manageable way.

In contrast, consuming large meals can lead to discomfort and may trigger nausea due to the increased pressure on the stomach. Skipping meals could cause blood sugar dips and exacerbate nausea rather than alleviate it. Maintaining a strict liquid diet, while possibly beneficial in some cases of severe nausea or vomiting, may not provide the necessary nutrients and can lead to fatigue and further digestive issues. Therefore, the recommendation to eat small, frequent meals aligns well with the common practices in managing nausea during early pregnancy.