What is the most dangerous effect on the fetus of a mother who smokes cigarettes while pregnant?

Genetic changes and anomalies

Intrauterine growth restriction

Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled

Extensive central nervous system damage

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Genetic changes and anomalies are not the most dangerous effect, as they are rare and not directly caused by smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of some birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, but these are not genetic changes and can be corrected by surgery. Smoking can also cause chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, but these usually result in miscarriage or stillbirth, not live births.

Choice B reason: Maternal smoking is a significant risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to lower birth weights and smaller body lengths.

Choice C reason: Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled is not the most dangerous effect, as it is not permanent and can be treated by medication and supportive care. Smoking can expose the fetus to nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals, which can cross the placenta and affect the fetal brain and nervous system. Smoking can also cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, such as irritability, tremors, and difficulty feeding.

Choice D reason: Although prenatal exposure to smoking can affect neurodevelopment and is associated with behavioral issues, extensive central nervous system damage is not the most immediate or dangerous effect. The most critical concern remains intrauterine growth restriction.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: An antiemetic such as pyridoxine may be used to control vomiting in women with hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is not the initial treatment. The first priority is to restore fluid and electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration and hypovolemia.

Choice B reason: IV therapy is the initial treatment for women with hyperemesis gravidarum. It helps to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances, prevent dehydration and hypovolemia, and restore normal blood pressure and urine output. IV fluids may also contain glucose, vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish losses.

Choice C reason: Enteral nutrition may be used to meet nutritional needs in women with hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is not the initial treatment. Enteral nutrition involves feeding through a tube inserted into the stomach or intestine. It may be considered if oral intake is not tolerated or adequate after IV therapy.

Choice D reason: Corticosteroids are not used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum. They are used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic reactions. They have no effect on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

A. Recognize that the rate is within normal limits and record it. B. Notify the physician. C. Assess the woman's radial pulse. D. Allow the woman to hear the heartbeat.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the correct action, as the rate is not within normal limits. A normal FHR at 30 weeks of gestation is between 110 and 160 beats/min. A rate of 82 beats/min is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia (low oxygen).

Choice B reason: This is not the first action, but it may be necessary after confirming the FHR. The nurse should first rule out the possibility of a maternal-fetal heart rate confusion, which can occur when the maternal heart rate is mistakenly counted as the FHR. This can happen if the Doppler or the electronic fetal monitor is placed too close to the maternal pulse or if the maternal heart rate is unusually slow².

Choice C reason: This is the correct action, as it can help differentiate between the maternal and the fetal heart rate. The nurse should assess the woman's radial pulse at the same time as listening to the FHR and compare the rates and rhythms. If the rates are the same or very close, it is likely that the nurse is hearing the maternal heart rate instead of the FHR. If the rates are different, it is likely that the nurse is hearing the FHR and that the fetus has bradycardia.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct action, as it may cause unnecessary anxiety or distress for the woman. The nurse should not allow the woman to hear the heartbeat until the FHR is confirmed and the cause of the bradycardia is determined. The nurse should also explain the situation to the woman and provide reassurance and support.

View Question and Answer

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

What is the most dangerous effect on the fetus of a mother who smokes cigarettes while pregnant?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse caring for a woman hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum should expect that initial treatment will involve:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

What is the first action that the nurse should take when assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) of a woman at 30 weeks of gestation and finding a rate of 82 beats/min?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have?

What is the best nursing intervention for a pregnant woman in her third trimester who complains of feeling faint, dizzy, and agitated while her vital signs are being assessed?

What should a nurse know about the contraction stress test (CST) when providing care for the antepartum woman?

What are the possible consequences of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy for the infant?

Which of the following is a positive sign of pregnancy that can only be exhibited by a pregnant woman?

Compared with contraction stress test (CST), nonstress test (NST) for antepartum fetal assessment:

The nurse is counseling a woman who wants to become pregnant. The woman tells the nurse that she has a 28-day menstrual cycle and the first day of her menstrual period was January 8. The nurse correctly calculates that the woman's next fertile period is?