Screening at 24 weeks of gestation reveals that a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In planning her care, the nurse and the woman mutually agree that an expected outcome is to prevent injury to the fetus as a result of GDM. The nurse identifies that the fetus is at greatest risk for:
low birth weight.
preterm birth.
macrosomia.
congenital anomalies of the central nervous system.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Low birth weight is not a common complication of GDM, as the fetus tends to grow larger than normal due to the excess glucose and insulin in the blood. Low birth weight is more likely to occur in infants of mothers with preexisting diabetes or other conditions that affect placental function.
Choice B reason: Preterm birth is a possible complication of GDM, as the increased fetal size and the risk of maternal hypertension or infection may induce labor before term. However, it is not the greatest risk for the fetus, as preterm infants can survive with proper care and treatment.
Choice C reason: Macrosomia is the greatest risk for the fetus of a mother with GDM, as it is defined as a birth weight of more than 4000 g or 8 lb 13 oz. Macrosomia can cause difficulties during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, birth trauma, or cesarean birth. It can also increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, or respiratory distress.
Choice D reason: Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system are not a common complication of GDM, as they usually occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, before GDM is diagnosed or develops. Congenital anomalies are more likely to occur in infants of mothers with preexisting diabetes or other genetic or environmental factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A daily consumption of alcohol does not necessarily indicate a risk for alcoholism, although it is not recommended for pregnant women. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, and it requires more than one criterion to be diagnosed.
Choice B reason: She will not be at risk for abusing other substances as well, unless she has a history or predisposition for substance abuse. Alcohol use during pregnancy does not cause other substance abuse problems, although it may co-occur with them.
Choice C reason: The fetus is not at risk for multiple organ anomalies, unless the mother consumes large amounts of alcohol during the first trimester of pregnancy. This can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by facial dysmorphia, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. However, FAS is rare and not related to moderate alcohol intake during the second trimester.
Choice D reason: The fetus is placed at risk for altered brain growth, as alcohol can cross the placenta and affect the developing nervous system of the fetus. Alcohol exposure during the second trimester can impair the formation and migration of neurons, leading to reduced brain size and function. This can result in learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairments in the child.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Woman shorter than 62 inches or 157 cm should not restrict her weight gain during pregnancy, as she may have a higher risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. She should follow the recommended weight gain guidelines based on her pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).
Choice B reason: Woman in early adolescence should not restrict her weight gain during pregnancy, as she is still growing and developing herself. She may need more calories and nutrients than an adult woman to support her own health and the fetal growth.
Choice C reason: Woman who was 30 lbs overweight before pregnancy should restrict her weight gain during pregnancy, as she may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertension, or preeclampsia. She should aim for a lower weight gain range than a woman with a normal BMI.
Choice D reason: Woman pregnant with twins should not restrict her weight gain during pregnancy, as she needs more energy and nutrients to support the growth of two fetuses. She should aim for a higher weight gain range than a woman with a singleton pregnancy.
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