A patient who has just learned she is pregnant has stopped using ...

[chads108]

A patient who has just learned she is pregnant has stopped using a prescription medication that she takes for asthma because she doesn't want to harm her baby. What will the nurse tell her?
 
  a. That asthma medications will not affect the fetus
  b. That her baby's health is dependent on hers
  c. To avoid taking medications during her pregnancy
  d. To resume the medication in her second trimester

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a class to a group of pregnant patients. The nurse correctly teaches that the highest risk of teratogen-induced gross malformations exists during which time?
 
  a. Immediately before conception
  b. During the first trimester
  c. During the second trimester
  d. During the third trimester

[ynlevi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Asthmatic women who fail to take medication have a doubled risk of stillbirth; therefore, the nurse should encourage the patient to use her medications. Because the health of the fetus depends on the health of the mother, all drugs must be considered in light of the benefits of treatment versus the risks to the fetus. Asthma medications may have effects on the fetus, but the risk of stillbirth presents a greater risk. In this case, the patient needs to take the medication to treat her asthma and not wait until the second trimester.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Gross malformations are caused by exposure to teratogens during the embryonic period, which is considered the first trimester. This is the time when the basic shape of internal organs and other structures is established. No risk exists immediately before conception unless the medication is a category X drug. Teratogen exposure during the second and third trimesters usually disrupts function rather than gross anatomy.

[chads108]

TY

[ynlevi]

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