Answer to Question 1
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: An internal fetal monitor will be avoided.
Rationale 2: The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG) indicates that the patient is contagious for and capable of transmitting hepatitis B. Perinatal transmission is most likely to occur at the time of birth; thus, measures are taken to prevent exposing the fetus to the mother's blood and body fluids and to clean the baby's skin thoroughly of fluids as soon as possible after birth.
Rationale 3: A newborn of a mother with HBsAG will receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin and a hepatitis B vaccine injection.
Rationale 4: Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in a patient with HBsAG.
Answer to Question 2
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Asthma exacerbations are most common between 24 and 36 weeks. Asthma attacks can lead to maternal hypoxia, which can lead to fetal hypoxia. This patient is the top priority.
Rationale 2: Women with seizure disorders should be started on folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy, and should continue throughout pregnancy. This patient is not the highest priority.
Rationale 3: A patient with a positive HBsAG is contagious for hepatitis B. The risk of transmission to the fetus at birth is reduced by bathing the neonate as soon as possible after birth and giving the infant immunoprophylaxis and the first HBsAG vaccine dose. The patient seeking information about what will happen after delivery is a low priority when there are pregnant patients currently experiencing physiologic problems.
Rationale 4: Pregnant women with untreated hyperthyroidism have an increased risk of fetal loss. Vaginal bleeding at 11 weeks could indicate that spontaneous abortion is taking place. But the majority of spontaneous abortions prior to 12 weeks' gestation are complete and without complications. This patient is not experiencing a normal pregnancy, but the health of both mother and fetus are not in immediate danger.