A nurse is preparing a teaching program for a group of pregnant women about preventing infections during pregnancy. When describing measures for preventing cytomegalovirus infection, which measure would the nurse include as a priority?
immunization
prenatal screening
antibody titer screening
frequent handwashing
The Correct Answer is D
A. Immunization:
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine available for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Therefore, immunization is not a viable option for preventing CMV infection during pregnancy. While researchers are actively working on developing a CMV vaccine, it is not yet available for widespread use.
B. Prenatal screening:
Prenatal screening for CMV is not routinely performed during prenatal care. Screening for CMV during pregnancy is not typically recommended unless there is a specific clinical indication, such as maternal symptoms suggestive of acute CMV infection or fetal abnormalities detected on ultrasound. Therefore, prenatal screening is not a primary preventive measure for CMV infection during pregnancy.
C. Antibody titer screening:
Antibody titer screening for CMV is also not routinely performed during prenatal care. While some healthcare providers may offer CMV antibody testing in certain situations, such as for women with a known exposure to CMV or those at increased risk of primary CMV infection during pregnancy, it is not a standard practice for all pregnant women. Therefore, antibody titer screening is not a primary preventive measure for CMV infection during pregnancy.
D. Frequent handwashing:
Frequent handwashing is the most important preventive measure for reducing the risk of CMV infection during pregnancy. CMV is commonly transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, and genital secretions. Proper hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coming into contact with young children's saliva or urine, can help prevent the spread of CMV. This measure is crucial for pregnant women to reduce their risk of acquiring CMV and transmitting it to their unborn babies.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse effects on the fetus, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). However, the symptoms described in the scenario—tachycardia, hypertension, and evidence suggesting vasoconstriction—are not typical of alcohol use. While alcohol can lead to hypertension in chronic heavy drinkers, it is not commonly associated with tachycardia and vasoconstriction in the same way that stimulant drugs like cocaine are.
B. Heroin:
Heroin is an opioid drug that depresses the central nervous system, leading to effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, and decreased heart rate. While heroin use during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus, including neonatal withdrawal syndrome (neonatal abstinence syndrome), it is not typically associated with tachycardia, hypertension, and vasoconstriction. Therefore, heroin is less likely to be the substance causing the symptoms described in the scenario.
C. Marijuana:
Marijuana use during pregnancy has been associated with various adverse outcomes, including low birth weight and neurodevelopmental issues in children. However, the symptoms described—tachycardia, hypertension, and evidence suggesting vasoconstriction—are not typical of marijuana use. Marijuana is more commonly associated with effects such as relaxation, increased heart rate (tachycardia), and vasodilation (not vasoconstriction). Therefore, marijuana is less likely to be the substance causing the symptoms described in the scenario.
D. Cocaine:
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that acts on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, leading to effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, and vasoconstriction. These symptoms are consistent with acute cocaine intoxication. Cocaine use during pregnancy can have serious adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus, including increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction. Therefore, given the symptoms described in the scenario, cocaine is the substance that the nurse would question the woman about.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ipratropium:
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used to relieve bronchospasm associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve breathing. In pregnant women with asthma, ipratropium is generally considered safe for use when the benefits of controlling asthma symptoms outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is minimally absorbed systemically, reducing the risk of systemic side effects for both the mother and the fetus.
B. Albuterol:
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) commonly used as a rescue inhaler for acute asthma symptoms. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Albuterol is considered safe for use during pregnancy, and it is often recommended as needed to relieve bronchospasm in pregnant women with asthma. Controlling asthma symptoms with albuterol can help improve maternal oxygenation and prevent complications associated with poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy.
C. Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for the long-term control of asthma symptoms. It works similarly to albuterol but has a longer duration of action. Salmeterol is generally not recommended as the sole therapy for asthma during pregnancy due to limited safety data. While animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetal development, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, the risks versus benefits of using salmeterol during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and alternative treatments may be preferred.
D. Prednisone:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses in conditions such as asthma. It is often prescribed to manage asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. While corticosteroids are generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy to control asthma symptoms, they may have risks associated with long-term or high-dose use, especially if used during the first trimester. Potential risks include fetal growth restriction and cleft palate. However, the benefits of controlling asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations often outweigh the potential risks of corticosteroid use during pregnancy. Therefore, prednisone may be prescribed judiciously during pregnancy, and the dose should be tailored to the individual's needs while considering potential risks to the fetus.
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