Practice Question
Congenital disorders refer to conditions that are present at birth. These disorders may be inherited and caused by environmental factors or maternal malnutrition. Toxic exposures have the greatest effect on development between 15 and 60 days of gestation. For the nurse to be able to conduct a complete assessment of the newly pregnant patient, she should understand the significance of exposure to known human teratogens. These include (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Drugs.
Rationale:
💊 A. Drugs
💊 Prescription and illicit drugs can act as powerful teratogens. Examples include isotretinoin (used for acne), thalidomide (a sedative), certain anticonvulsants (like valproic acid), and warfarin.
💊 Alcohol is a major teratogen that causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), leading to growth retardation, facial anomalies, and neurodevelopmental delays.
💊 Recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin) are associated with placental abruption, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
💊 Nurses must assess medication use and counsel pregnant patients to avoid or substitute teratogenic medications with safer alternatives.
💊 Drug exposure during the first trimester is particularly dangerous due to rapid cellular differentiation and organ development.
🦠 B. Infections
🦠 Certain maternal infections known as TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Other [syphilis], Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex) are highly teratogenic.
🦠 These infections can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, deafness, and blindness in the fetus.
🦠 Rubella in early pregnancy is especially dangerous, often causing congenital rubella syndrome, with cardiac defects and hearing loss.
🦠 Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection, leading to severe neurologic impairment.
🦠 Early prenatal care involves screening and immunization review to reduce these infection-related risks.
☢️ C. Radiation
☢️ High-dose ionizing radiation, especially during early gestation, has mutagenic and teratogenic effects.
☢️ Radiation exposure during the first 8–15 weeks can result in microcephaly, intellectual disabilities, growth restriction, and increased risk of childhood cancer.
☢️ Sources of harmful radiation include radiotherapy, CT scans, or accidental exposure to nuclear material.
☢️ The fetus is especially vulnerable to DNA damage due to rapid cell division, and exposure should be strictly limited or avoided during pregnancy.
☢️ Nurses should ask about any occupational or diagnostic exposure to radiation and coordinate with radiology for shielding or alternative diagnostic tools.
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This question is from Maternity exam ( Samuel merit University) which contains 49 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: 🤱🏼Maternity & Newborn Care
- Answer Choices: 4