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: In early pregnancy, oxytocin (Pitocin) is often used to induce labor or augment contractions. The correct answer, "B) Hypertension," is a maternal adverse effect of Pitocin because oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, leading to increased blood pressure. This can result in hypertension, especially if the dosage is too high or the contractions are too frequent or intense. Option A, "Acute confusion," is not typically associated with oxytocin administration. Acute confusion is more commonly seen in conditions like delirium, metabolic imbalances, or infection. Option C, "Edema," is not a direct adverse effect of Pitocin. Edema, swelling due to fluid retention, is not a common side effect of oxytocin administration. Option D, "Inverted T wave," is a cardiac abnormality seen on electrocardiogram (ECG) and is not directly related to oxytocin administration. Inverted T waves can be indicative of cardiac ischemia or other cardiac conditions but are not typically caused by Pitocin. In an educational context, understanding the potential complications of medications used in early pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective care for pregnant patients. Knowing the specific adverse effects of medications like oxytocin can help healthcare professionals monitor patients closely and intervene promptly if any complications arise.
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: The correct answer is C) In the first trimester during organogenesis. Drug-induced teratogenicity is most likely to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy because this is the critical period when organogenesis takes place. Organogenesis is the process of organ formation in the developing embryo, and exposure to teratogenic drugs during this time can result in structural abnormalities or malformations in the fetus. Option A) During the second half of her third trimester is incorrect because by this time, organogenesis is already complete, and the fetus is mainly growing and maturing. Option B) In the 7 to 10 days after conception is incorrect as this is the period when the fertilized egg is implanting in the uterus and not yet developed enough for teratogenic effects to occur. Option D) During 30 to 34 weeks of gestation is incorrect because this is towards the end of the third trimester when most of the fetal development is already complete, and the fetus is mainly gaining weight and preparing for birth. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to educate pregnant women about the risks of teratogenic drugs and the importance of avoiding them, especially during the first trimester when organogenesis is occurring. This knowledge empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and the well-being of their unborn child.
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 option A) Deficient knowledge related to drug and herbal effects during pregnancy. This nursing diagnosis is suggested by the woman's statement because she stopped taking her prescribed blood pressure medication without seeking proper medical advice and instead opted for natural and herbal remedies. This shows a lack of understanding regarding the potential risks and benefits of these alternative treatments during pregnancy. Option B) Health-seeking behaviors related to protection of fetal health is incorrect because although the woman's intention may be to protect her baby, her actions demonstrate a lack of knowledge rather than a proactive health-seeking behavior. Option C) Acute confusion related to the potential teratogenic effects of herbs is incorrect because there is no indication that the woman is experiencing confusion; rather, she appears to have made a decision based on misinformation or lack of knowledge. Option D) Effective therapeutic regimen management related to use of herbs rather than drugs is incorrect because the woman's decision to switch to herbal remedies without proper understanding or guidance does not reflect effective therapeutic regimen management. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of patient education and the potential risks of relying on natural and herbal remedies during pregnancy without proper medical supervision. It underscores the need for healthcare providers to assess and address patients' knowledge gaps to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.