A pescatarian client presents to the clinic at her 12 week appointment and asks regarding fish consumption during pregnancy.
Which education is correct? Select two that apply.
Raw sushi is considered high mercury and should be avoided.
Avoid moderate to high mercury fish, such as shark or swordfish.
Canned tuna is considered a high mercury fish and should be avoided.
12 oz of fish (salmon, canned tuna) per week is fine during pregnancy.
Correct Answer : B,D
Choice A rationale
Consuming raw sushi is not the primary concern regarding mercury exposure; rather, it is the type of fish itself. Larger predatory fish at the top of the food chain, such as shark or swordfish, accumulate higher levels of methylmercury, which can be neurotoxic to the developing fetus. The risks associated with raw fish consumption during pregnancy are primarily related to bacterial or parasitic infections like Listeria or Toxoplasmosis.
Choice B rationale
Large, predatory fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are known to have high levels of mercury due to bioaccumulation. The FDA recommends pregnant individuals avoid these fish to minimize exposure. High mercury levels can lead to neurodevelopmental issues in the fetus, including impaired cognitive function and motor skills, as mercury readily crosses the placenta and blood-brain barrier.
Choice C rationale
Canned tuna, particularly light tuna, is considered a lower mercury fish. The FDA and EPA's guidelines on fish consumption for pregnant women include canned light tuna as a "best choice" fish that can be consumed 2-3 times a week. However, albacore (white) tuna has higher mercury levels and its consumption should be limited to once a week.
Choice D rationale
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the FDA recommend that pregnant women consume 8 to 12 ounces of a variety of low-mercury fish per week. This amount provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, which are crucial for fetal brain and eye development. Salmon and canned light tuna are examples of low-mercury fish that fit within these guidelines.
Choice E rationale
Swordfish and king mackerel are on the "avoid" list for pregnant women due to their very high mercury content. Consuming 12 ounces of these fish per week would significantly exceed safe mercury exposure levels and pose a risk of neurodevelopmental harm to the fetus. The recommendation is to select fish from the "best choices" list.
Choice F rationale
Avoiding all fish during pregnancy is not recommended as it deprives the mother and fetus of valuable nutrients. Fish provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, and crucial omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which are vital for the development of the fetal nervous system and vision. The current guidelines emphasize choosing low-mercury fish.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the type of teratogen and the mother's age can influence the outcome, the most critical factor is the timing of exposure. Different teratogens can have varying effects, and maternal age can impact a woman's health, but these are secondary to the primary factor of developmental stage.
Choice B rationale
The duration of pregnancy and the mother's health condition can affect the overall health of the pregnancy, but they are not the primary determinants of teratogenic susceptibility. The timing of exposure is the key factor because specific organ systems are most vulnerable to damage during their periods of rapid differentiation and formation, which occurs at specific times during gestation.
Choice C rationale
The amount of teratogen exposure, or dosage, is a significant factor in the degree of harm, as is the father’s genetic history, which can contribute to congenital anomalies. However, the most crucial variable for determining which organ systems are affected is when the exposure occurred in relation to the embryo's or fetus's developmental stage.
Choice D rationale
The timing of exposure is the most critical factor because different organs and systems are forming at different times during gestation. The period of major organogenesis (approximately weeks 3 to 8) is the most susceptible to major malformations because the cells are rapidly dividing and differentiating. Exposure during this time can lead to significant structural defects in the developing embryo.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uterine tachysystole is correctly defined as more than five contractions in ten minutes, averaged over a thirty-minute period. However, magnesium sulfate is not the initial intervention. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia and to a lesser extent as a tocolytic, but not for tachysystole management. The primary interventions involve non-pharmacological methods and reducing uterine stimulants.
Choice B rationale
Hypotonic contractions are characterized by a low frequency (fewer than 3 contractions in 10 minutes) and intensity. Terbutaline, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, is used to inhibit uterine contractions and is indicated for tachysystole, not hypotonic contractions. Therefore, this choice misidentifies the condition and provides an inappropriate intervention for hypotonic labor.
Choice C rationale
This choice incorrectly defines tachysystole as less than three contractions in ten minutes. This description actually aligns with hypotonic uterine dysfunction. The intervention of increasing oxytocin is aimed at stimulating labor in cases of hypotonic dysfunction, not at resolving tachysystole which is caused by excessive uterine activity.
Choice D rationale
This statement accurately defines uterine tachysystole as more than five contractions in ten minutes over a thirty-minute period. The initial intervention for this condition is to discontinue or reduce any uterine stimulants, such as oxytocin, and to reposition the patient to improve uteroplacental perfusion. This is done to prevent fetal distress due to reduced oxygen delivery from persistent uterine contractions. *.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.