Practice Question
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is pregnant and has been prescribed isotretinoin for refractory nodular acne. The client expresses concern about potential side effects to their fetus. Which of the following responses by the nurse accurately addresses the client's concern and aligns with safe medication practices?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
isotretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy. You should stop the medication immediately and discuss alternative treatments with your health care provider.
Rationale:
🟦 Isotretinoin is a potent teratogen that causes severe congenital malformations, including craniofacial, cardiac, and central nervous system defects.
🟦 Fetal exposure is associated with a very high risk of spontaneous abortion and irreversible birth defects.
🟦 Due to these risks, isotretinoin is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy and strictly regulated under iPLEDGE.
🟦 If pregnancy is suspected or confirmed, the medication must be discontinued immediately to prevent continued fetal exposure.
🟦 The nurse’s response should emphasize medication safety, provider notification, and discussion of safer alternative acne therapies.
“As long as you avoid vitamin A supplements, isotretinoin is safe to use during pregnancy.”
🟦 Isotretinoin itself is a vitamin A derivative and independently causes fetal toxicity.
🟦 Avoiding additional vitamin A does not reduce or eliminate teratogenic risk.
“You can safely continue isotretinoin during pregnancy as long as you use a reliable moisturizer for any dryness.”
🟦 Moisturizers only manage cutaneous dryness and do not affect fetal exposure.
🟦 Supportive skin care cannot make an unsafe medication safe in pregnancy.
“Joint pain is a common side effect of isotretinoin, but it does not pose any risks during pregnancy.”
🟦 This statement overlooks the primary danger of teratogenicity.
🟦 Musculoskeletal side effects are minor compared to the severe fetal risks.
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This question is from RN NTEGUMENTARY which contains 46 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Fundamentals
- Answer Choices: 4