During a class about the use of medications during pregnancy, the nurse determines that additional information is required when a client makes which statement?

Question

1. "Exposure to some medications can result in my baby's death or in malformations."
2. "The baby can only be harmed by medication during the first trimester."
3. "If I breast-feed my baby, drugs can come through my breast milk."
4. "It is important not to take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs during my pregnancy."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Some medications, when given during pregnancy, are teratogens. Teratogens have varying effects on body systems, from minor to severe.
Rationale 2: Teratogens can affect different body systems at different times during the pregnancy.
Rationale 3: Most maternal medications can be transferred to the infant through the ingestion of breast milk.
Rationale 4: OTC drugs have the same potential risk for causing malformations to the fetus as do prescription drugs.
Global Rationale: Teratogens can affect different body systems at different times during the pregnancy; therefore, this client would require additional education. Some medications, when given during pregnancy, are teratogens. Teratogens have varying effects on body systems, from minor to severe. Most maternal medications can be transferred to the infant through the ingestion of breast milk. OTC drugs have the same potential risk for causing malformations to the fetus as do prescription drugs.