A woman pregnant with twins comes to the clinic for an evaluation. While assessing the client, the nurse would be especially alert for signs and symptoms for which potential problem?
oligohydramnios
preeclampsia
chorioamnionitis
post-term labor
The Correct Answer is B
A. Oligohydramnios:
Oligohydramnios refers to a condition where there is too little amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. It can be concerning because amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in protecting and cushioning the fetus, aiding in lung development, and preventing compression of the umbilical cord. While oligohydramnios can be a complication in pregnancy, it's not necessarily more common or specific to twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies.
B. Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, such as the liver and kidneys. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the babies if not managed properly. Multiple pregnancies, including twins, are considered a risk factor for developing preeclampsia. Therefore, pregnant women carrying twins require close monitoring for signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
C. Chorioamnionitis:
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) and amniotic fluid. It typically occurs due to bacterial infection ascending from the vagina into the uterus, often during prolonged labor or rupture of membranes. While chorioamnionitis is a concern in pregnancy, it's not necessarily more common in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies.
D. Post-term labor:
Post-term labor refers to labor that begins after 42 weeks of gestation. Prolonged pregnancy beyond the due date can increase the risks of complications for both the mother and the baby, including fetal distress, macrosomia (large birth weight), and meconium aspiration. Post-term labor can occur in both singleton and multiple pregnancies, but it's not specifically more associated with twin pregnancies.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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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.
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.
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