A 20-year-old client is at 18 weeks gestation. Her prenatal history reveals past drug abuse, and urine screening indicates that she has recently used cocaine.
The nurse should recognize that the client is at increased risk for which condition(s)? (Select all that apply.)
Placenta abruption.
Erythroblastosis fetalis.
Gestational hypertension.
Small for gestational age newborn.
Poor nutrition.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
Cocaine is a potent vasoconstrictor that causes a rapid increase in maternal blood pressure and significant uterine artery constriction. This sudden vascular compromise can lead to premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, known as placenta abruption. This condition is a life-threatening emergency for both the mother and the fetus due to the risk of severe hemorrhage and impaired fetal oxygenation caused by the drug's sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
Choice B rationale
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a hemolytic disease of the newborn that occurs due to Rh incompatibility between the mother and the fetus. It involves the maternal immune system producing antibodies that attack fetal red blood cells. There is no known scientific or physiological link between the use of cocaine and the development of Rh isoimmunization or hemolytic anemia. This condition is strictly related to blood group antigens rather than substance abuse or maternal vasoconstriction.
Choice C rationale
The systemic effects of cocaine involve the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake at nerve endings, leading to a state of chronic sympathetic overactivity. This results in persistent vasoconstriction and increased peripheral vascular resistance, which manifests as gestational hypertension. The cardiovascular strain placed on the mother by regular cocaine use increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which can have devastating effects on maternal organ systems and placental perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Cocaine use during pregnancy causes chronic intrauterine hypoxia due to decreased blood flow through the placental bed. When the fetus is deprived of adequate oxygen and essential nutrients over a long period, growth is significantly restricted. This often results in the infant being small for gestational age at birth. The vasoconstrictive properties of the drug limit the transfer of glucose and amino acids, which are necessary for normal fetal weight gain and development.
Choice E rationale
Substance abuse is frequently associated with various lifestyle factors, including poor nutritional intake. Cocaine acts as a powerful appetite suppressant, which often leads to the mother neglecting her caloric and vitamin requirements. Inadequate maternal nutrition further compounds the risks to the fetus, as the lack of essential building blocks like folic acid, iron, and protein can lead to anemia, low birth weight, and other developmental complications during the gestation period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This statement indicates an appropriate understanding of the disease process because early reporting of inflammatory symptoms like puffiness or pain allows for timely pharmacological intervention. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis involves chronic synovial inflammation that can lead to joint erosion if not managed. Recognizing these subjective and objective signs of a flare ensures that the healthcare team can adjust the treatment plan to prevent long term joint damage and preserve functional mobility.
Choice B rationale
This statement indicates a need for further education because children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis should be encouraged to attend school and remain active despite mild discomfort. Prolonged inactivity and school absenteeism can lead to social isolation and increased joint stiffness. Physical therapy and regular movement are therapeutic components that help maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion. Keeping the child home unnecessarily reinforces a sick role and hinders developmental progress.
Choice C rationale
Swimming is a highly recommended low impact aerobic exercise for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis because the buoyancy of the water reduces the gravitational stress on inflamed weight bearing joints. Utilizing a heated pool during winter months helps maintain muscle tone and cardiovascular health without exacerbating joint pain. This proactive approach to staying active supports long term physical functioning and helps prevent the secondary complications of a sedentary lifestyle in pediatric patients.
Choice D rationale
Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is critical in managing the systemic and localized inflammation associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologics work to suppress the immune response and prevent irreversible joint destruction. Understanding the importance of compliance indicates that the family recognizes the chronic nature of the condition and the necessity of pharmacological control to achieve and maintain clinical remission.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This response is inconsistent with anorexia nervosa because individuals with this disorder rarely express satisfaction or tolerance of their weight. The diagnostic criteria include an intense fear of gaining weight and a significant disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced. If a client suggests they can live with being overweight, it indicates a level of body acceptance that is typically absent in those suffering from the restrictive and distorted perceptions inherent in this condition.
Choice B rationale
While a client may be defensive or guarded during an interview, this statement is a general expression of privacy rather than a symptom of the eating disorder itself. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by specific cognitive distortions regarding body image. A deflective answer does not provide clinical insight into the core psychopathology of the illness, which involves the delusional perception of being overweight despite objective evidence of severe emaciation and a body mass index well below normal limits.
Choice C rationale
Although this statement acknowledges being underweight, it lacks the characteristic cognitive distortion of body dysmorphia found in anorexia nervosa. Most clients with this diagnosis do not perceive themselves as underweight; instead, they see specific body parts as being too large even when they are skin and bone. Acknowledging that one is "grossly underweight" suggests a degree of insight that is often missing during the acute phase of the illness, where the perception of fatness remains dominant regardless of reality.
Choice D rationale
This response is the most consistent with the diagnosis because it reflects the profound body image distortion and low self-esteem central to anorexia nervosa. Even when severely emaciated, these clients often perceive themselves as "fat" and experience intense self-loathing regarding their appearance. This cognitive appraisal drives the continued restrictive eating behaviors and excessive weight loss. The statement highlights the lack of objective reality in the client's self-perception, which is a hallmark psychological feature of the restrictive type.
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