The nurse is instructing a client who is at 10 weeks' gestation on smoking cessation and avoiding substance abuse. Which is the rationale for why these should be avoided during pregnancy?

Question

A) Interferes with hormone excretion of the fetus.
B) Facilitates the transfer of viruses and other diseases into the developing fetus.
C) Passes into the developing fetus through the placenta very easily.
D) Stops the synthesis of protein in the developing fetus.

Answer 1

Answer: C

Byproducts of smoking and substance use pass from the mother to the fetus through the placenta via simple diffusion. These substances have adverse effects on the developing fetus. Smoking byproducts and abused substances do not interfere with hormone excretion of the fetus or stop the synthesis of protein in the fetus. They do not facilitate the transfer of viruses and other diseases into the developing fetus.