A client in the first trimester of pregnancy tells the nurse that she has a vaginal discharge and is ...

3. Keep the vaginal area clean and wear cotton underwear.

Rationale:
One client discomfort seen in the first trimester of pregnancy is increased vaginal secretions. The nurse should instruct the client to keep the vaginal area clean and wear cotton underwear. The nurse should not instruct the client to limit bathing or dairy products; those actions will not decrease vaginal secretions and may offer other risks. The nurse should not suggest that the client has an infection because increased secretions are expected during the first trimester.