A nurse is preparing to administer acyclovir 400 mg tablet PO three times per day. Available are 800 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer with each dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A rationale

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. During pregnancy, maternal blood volume increases significantly, requiring a greater production of red blood cells to meet the increased oxygen demands of both the mother and the developing fetus. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 27 mg.

Choice B rationale

Calcium is crucial for fetal bone and tooth development, as well as for maintaining maternal bone health. While important, it does not directly contribute to the increase in maternal blood volume. The recommended daily intake is 1000 mg for pregnant women.

Choice C rationale

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cells from damage. While it has various physiological functions, it is not directly involved in the process of increasing maternal blood volume.

Choice D rationale

Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health in both the mother and the fetus. It also plays a role in immune function. However, it does not directly contribute to the increase in maternal blood volume. The recommended daily intake is 600 IU for pregnant women.

Choice A rationale

Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, is primarily associated with risk factors such as previous cesarean sections, multiparity, and advanced maternal age. Heroin use does not have a direct causal link to the development of placenta previa.

Choice B rationale

Heroin use during pregnancy is strongly associated with an increased risk of preterm labor. Opioids can cause uterine contractions and alter placental blood flow, leading to premature cervical changes and the onset of labor before 37 weeks of gestation, impacting fetal development.

Choice C rationale

Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, result from errors in chromosome number or structure during cell division. These genetic errors are not caused by maternal heroin use, although substance abuse can affect fetal development in other ways.

Choice D rationale

An increase in amniotic fluid, known as polyhydramnios, is often associated with conditions such as maternal diabetes, fetal gastrointestinal anomalies, or multiple gestations. Heroin use does not typically lead to polyhydramnios; rather, it is more commonly associated with oligohydramnios due to fetal growth restriction.