ATI RN
Possible Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman who takes highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV/AIDS has become pregnant. What effect will the woman's pregnancy have on her drug regimen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice A is incorrect because discontinuing HAART during pregnancy can actually increase the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. HAART is crucial in reducing the viral load in pregnant women with HIV, therefore discontinuation would be detrimental. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dosage of HAART during pregnancy is not a standard practice. The goal is to maintain the viral load at a low level to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby, but this can usually be achieved with the standard regimen without the need for dosage adjustments. Choice D is incorrect because not all components of HAART are contraindicated during pregnancy. While some drugs may need to be switched due to potential teratogenic effects, many of the medications used in HAART are safe to use during pregnancy and can be continued without any changes. The correct answer, choice C, is supported by guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommend that pregnant women with HIV continue their HAART regimen unchanged if it is effective and well-tolerated. This helps to control the viral load, reduce the risk of transmission to the baby, and maintain the health of the mother.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse should reply to a pregnant woman experiencing significant nausea and vomiting by stating:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is a common occurrence for nausea and vomiting to improve by the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes and adjustments in the body. Option D is not the correct answer as the improvement usually occurs earlier than when the baby starts to move. Option A is not relevant to the situation, and option B is inaccurate as nausea and vomiting typically improve before the third trimester.