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: Diabetes mellitus is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. However, maternal diabetes can increase the risk of fetal macrosomia (large birth weight), congenital anomalies, and neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the infant.
Choice B reason: Down syndrome is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of the fetus. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, but it is not related to maternal weight or nutrition².
Choice C reason: Spina bifida is not a direct consequence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly in the fetus. The main risk factor for spina bifida is a lack of folic acid (a B vitamin) in the mother's diet before and during pregnancy.
Choice D reason: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which the fetus does not grow as expected and has a low birth weight. IUGR can have many causes, such as placental problems, infections, chromosomal abnormalities, and maternal factors. One of the maternal factors that can contribute to IUGR is inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, especially in underweight women. IUGR can increase the risk of complications for the infant, such as preterm birth, low Apgar score, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and breathing problems⁵.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Infection is not the greatest risk for a woman with marginal placenta previa, as it is not directly related to the condition. Marginal placenta previa is a type of placenta previa where the edge of the placenta is near the cervical os but does not cover it. It can cause painless bleeding during pregnancy or labor, but it does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice B reason: Hemorrhage is the greatest risk for a woman with marginal placenta previa, as it can occur due to the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall during labor or delivery. The bleeding can be profuse and life-threatening, and it requires prompt intervention and monitoring.
Choice C reason: Urinary retention is not the greatest risk for a woman with marginal placenta previa, as it is not directly related to the condition. Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely, and it can occur due to various factors such as anesthesia, trauma, or medication. It can cause discomfort, infection, or bladder distension, but it is not as serious as hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: Thrombophlebitis is not the greatest risk for a woman with marginal placenta previa, as it is not directly related to the condition. Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot, and it can occur due to prolonged bed rest, dehydration, or injury. It can cause pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area, and it can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. However, it is not as common or as severe as hemorrhage.
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