A client at 18 weeks' gestation thinks she might have been exposed to a toxin at work that could affect fetal development and asks what organs might be affected at this point in the pregnancy. How should the nurse respond to this client?
1. "The brain is developing now and could be affected."
2. "Because you are in the second trimester, there is no danger."
3. "It's best to not worry about possible problems with your baby."
4. "The internal organs like the heart and lungs could be impacted."
1
Explanation:
1. Maximum brain growth and myelination are occurring at this point in fetal development.
2. Although the greatest danger from teratogens is during the embryonic stage (the first 8 weeks of pregnancy), the fetus at 20 weeks is still vulnerable to exposure to teratogens.
3. Avoid telling clients not to worry. Doing so indicates to the client that you do not care about their concerns and will end effective communication.
4. The heart, lungs, and other internal organs form during the embryonic state, or the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. During their formation is when they are most likely to be affected by a teratogen.
You might also like to view...
A client is seen in the 24-hour drug clinic. She's thin, tense, jittery, and has dilated pupils and bad
breath. She tells the nurse "I have been speeding, and now I am burning up and need help.". She permits an oral temperature to be taken (it is 104° F), but then becomes suspicious and moves away from staff, refusing to allow further examination. She states, "You could be trying to kill me.". The assessment that can be made is the client is most likely under the influence of a. PCP. b. heroin. c. barbiturates. d. amphetamines.
A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient taking highly active antiretroviral therapy informs you that she is now pregnant. What advice regarding drug therapy do you give this patient?
a. "Stop taking these drugs for your entire pregnancy." b. "Stop taking these drugs for the first trimester and start again for the second and third trimesters." c. "Continue to take these drugs throughout your pregnancy exactly as they have been prescribed." d. "It will be necessary to double your dosages of these drugs to ensure your unborn baby is adequately protected."
Which information from a co-worker on a gerontological unit will cause the nurse to intervene?
a. Most older people have dependent functioning. b. Most older people have strengths we should focus on. c. Most older people should be involved in care decision. d. Most older people should be encouraged to have independence.
When endothelial cells are injured, what alteration contributes to atherosclerosis?
a. The release of toxic oxygen radicals that oxidize low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) b. Cells are unable to make the normal amount of vasodilating cytokines. c. Cells produce an increased amount of antithrombotic cytokines. d. Cells develop a hypersensitivity to homocysteine and lipids.