ATI RN
Possible Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pregnant woman states that she has been constipated since becoming pregnant. Which medication is most appropriate for preventing constipation related to pregnancy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A bulk-producing agent, such as Metamucil, is most physiologic for the mother and safe for the fetus. Mineral oil is not recommended because of the lack of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Saline cathartics are not recommended because of hypernatremia. Stimulant cathartics are not recommended for the pregnant woman.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin). Which of the following is a maternal adverse effect of Pitocin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension (choice B) is the correct answer as a maternal adverse effect of Pitocin. Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is commonly used to induce labor or augment contractions. It can lead to hypertension in some patients due to its vasoconstrictive effects. This can result in increased blood pressure, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Acute confusion (choice A) is not typically associated with Pitocin administration. Confusion may be a sign of other underlying conditions or complications, but it is not a direct adverse effect of Pitocin. Edema (choice C) is also not a common adverse effect of Pitocin. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, and it is not typically caused by Pitocin administration. Inverted T wave (choice D) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is not a known adverse effect of Pitocin. Inverted T waves can be indicative of cardiac issues such as ischemia or electrolyte imbalances, but they are not directly linked to Pitocin administration. Overall, hypertension is the correct maternal adverse effect of Pitocin due to its vasoconstrictive properties, while acute confusion, edema, and inverted T waves are not typically associated with Pitocin administration.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is being treated for preterm labor. Which beta-adrenergic medication is administered orally to decrease uterine contractions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agent that inhibits uterine contractions by reducing intracellular calcium levels; oral doses can be given as maintenance therapy. Magnesium sulfate is administered intravenously and not administered at home. Oxytocin induces labor. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that decreases uterine contractions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing health education with a woman who has just learned that she is pregnant. The nurse has explained the concept of teratogenic drugs and emphasized the need to have her care provider assess any medications she should consider taking. The nurse should teach the woman that drug-induced teratogenicity is most likely to occur at what point in her pregnancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During pregnancy, the period of organogenesis, which occurs during the first trimester, is the most critical time for the development of the fetus. This is when the major organs and structures are forming, making the fetus most vulnerable to the harmful effects of teratogenic drugs. Therefore, it is crucial for the woman to be aware of the potential risks of taking medications during this time. Choice A, during the second half of the third trimester, is incorrect because by this time, most of the major organ systems have already developed. While exposure to teratogenic drugs at this point can still have adverse effects on the fetus, the risk is lower compared to the first trimester. Choice B, in the 7 to 10 days after conception, is incorrect because at this early stage of pregnancy, the embryo has not yet implanted into the uterus and organogenesis has not begun. The risk of teratogenic effects is lower during this very early stage of development. Choice D, during 30 to 34 weeks of gestation, is incorrect because by this time, the organs are fully developed, and the fetus is primarily gaining weight and maturing in preparation for birth. While exposure to teratogenic drugs at this stage can still have consequences, the risk is lower compared to the first trimester when the major organs are forming.
Question 5 of 5
A woman who is in the first trimester of her pregnancy has told the nurse, 'I've stopped taking my blood pressure pill because I know it could harm the baby. Instead, I've started taking natural and herbal remedies.' What nursing diagnosis is suggested by the woman's statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deficient knowledge related to drug and herbal effects during pregnancy. Choice A is the correct answer because the woman's statement indicates a lack of understanding regarding the potential risks associated with taking herbal remedies during pregnancy. Stopping prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare provider can pose serious risks to both the woman and the developing fetus. This nursing diagnosis addresses the woman's need for education on the effects of drugs and herbal remedies during pregnancy to make informed decisions about her healthcare. Choice B, Health-seeking behaviors related to protection of fetal health, is incorrect because the woman's actions actually put the fetal health at risk by stopping her prescribed blood pressure medication without medical advice. This choice implies that the woman's actions are in line with protecting fetal health, which is not the case. Choice C, Acute confusion related to the potential teratogenic effects of herbs, is incorrect because there is no evidence in the scenario to suggest that the woman is experiencing confusion. Her decision to switch to herbal remedies appears to be a conscious choice based on a misconception about the safety of these remedies during pregnancy. Choice D, Effective therapeutic regimen management related to use of herbs rather than drugs, is incorrect because the woman's decision to stop taking her prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not an effective therapeutic regimen management strategy. It is important for pregnant women to consult healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.