A nurse is explaining the activation of beta2 receptors to nursing students during a clinical rotation at the hospital. Which statement by a student demonstrates a need for further teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Clinical trials to assess the teratogenic effects of medications during pregnancy are ethically challenging because they would involve exposing pregnant women and their fetuses to potential risks. The primary concern is the safety of the fetus, as many drugs can cross the placenta and potentially cause harm. Therefore, most of the data on teratogenic effects come from observational studies, case reports, and animal studies rather than controlled clinical trials.

Choice B Reason:

While the FDA has initiatives to improve the safety of medications during pregnancy, it is not accurate to say that a new study will allow testing of medications during pregnancy in the future. The ethical concerns surrounding the exposure of pregnant women to potential teratogens remain a significant barrier. Current efforts focus on improving post-marketing surveillance and encouraging the reporting of adverse effects to gather more data.

Choice C Reason:

Although some women may be reluctant to admit taking medications during pregnancy, this is not the primary reason for the lack of data on teratogenic effects. The main issue is the ethical and practical challenges of conducting clinical trials in pregnant women. Reluctance to report medication use can contribute to underreporting, but it is not the central factor.

Choice D Reason:

Recommending that pregnant women avoid medications is a general precaution, but it does not address the reason why more is not known about teratogenic effects. The avoidance of medications is advised to minimize potential risks, but the lack of data is primarily due to the ethical constraints of conducting clinical trials in this population.

Choice A Reason:

Discontinuing the drug at the first signs of toxicity might seem like a straightforward solution, but it is not always the best approach. Some drugs are essential for treating serious conditions, and stopping them abruptly can cause more harm than good. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient closely and consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the dosage or switch to a safer alternative if necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Teaching the patient how to treat symptoms if they develop is important, but it is not sufficient on its own. While patient education is a crucial aspect of managing drug side effects, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes regular monitoring and medical supervision.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring that complete blood counts are ordered periodically is a good practice, especially for drugs that can affect blood cells. However, this approach is too narrow. Toxic side effects can impact various organs and systems, so a comprehensive monitoring plan is necessary.

Choice D Reason:

This is the correct answer. Monitoring the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug is the most comprehensive and effective approach. This includes regular blood tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and other relevant assessments. By closely monitoring the patient’s organ functions, the healthcare team can detect early signs of toxicity and take appropriate action to prevent serious complications.