A nursing student asks the nurse why more is not known about the teratogenic effects of maternal medication ingestion during pregnancy. Which response by the nurse is correct?
“Clinical trials to assess this risk would put the fetus at risk.”
“The relatively new FDA study will allow testing of medications during pregnancy in the future.”
“Most women are reluctant to admit taking medications while they are pregnant.”
“It is safer to recommend that pregnant women avoid medications while pregnant.”
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the complications of an existing disease to prevent further deterioration. For obesity, this might involve interventions like bariatric surgery or intensive management of comorbid conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In this scenario, the goal is not to prevent the onset of disease but to manage its long-term effects and improve quality of life.
Choice B Reason:
Disease treatment refers to the direct management of a diagnosed condition. For a diabetic teen, this could include medications like insulin or metformin, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and other medical interventions to control diabetes. While a low-calorie diet and exercise are important components of diabetes management, they are more aligned with preventive measures rather than direct treatment.
Choice C Reason:
Secondary prevention aims to detect and address a disease early in its course to prevent progression. This might include screening programs, early interventions, and lifestyle modifications for individuals at high risk of developing a condition. In the context of diabetes, secondary prevention could involve regular blood glucose monitoring and early dietary changes to prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
Choice D Reason:
Primary prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. For an obese diabetic teen, a prescription for a low-calorie diet and exercise program is aimed at preventing further weight gain and reducing the risk of developing additional health complications, making it a primary prevention strategy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Vaccination, however, is aimed at preventing the disease before it occurs, which does not align with the concept of tertiary prevention.
Choice B Reason:
Primary prevention refers to actions taken to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs. Vaccination is a classic example of primary prevention because it aims to protect individuals from contracting diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. In this case, the meningococcal vaccine helps prevent meningitis, making it a primary preventive measure.
Choice C Reason:
Disease treatment involves managing and caring for a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. Vaccination does not fall under disease treatment because it is a preventive measure rather than a therapeutic one
Choice D Reason:
Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. Vaccination, however, is intended to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, which is not the goal of secondary prevention.
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