Assessment of a pregnant woman and her fetus reveals tachycardia and hypertension. There is also evidence suggesting vasoconstriction. The nurse would question the woman about use of which substance?

Choice A Reason: This is correct because cloudy malodorous fluid indicates that the amniotic fluid is contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause infection in the woman or the fetus. Normally, amniotic fluid is clear and odorless.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because abdominal tenderness suggests that the woman has inflammation or irritation of the uterus or other pelvic organs due to infection. Abdominal tenderness can also be accompanied by cramping, pain, or fever.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because fetal bradycardia, which is a slow fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute, indicates that the fetus is experiencing distress or hypoxia due to infection. Fetal bradycardia can be detected by electronic fetal monitoring or Doppler device.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because elevated maternal pulse rate, which is a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, indicates that the woman has an increased metabolic demand or systemic inflammation due to infection. Elevated maternal pulse rate can also be caused by dehydration, anxiety, or pain.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because decreased C-reactive protein levels do not indicate infection. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. Increased CRP levels can be a sign of infection, but decreased CRP levels can be normal or indicate other conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because mosquitoes do not transmit HIV. HIV is a virus that infects human cells and cannot survive in insects. Mosquitoes do not inject blood from one person to another when they bite, but only saliva that contains anticoagulants and enzymes.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because accidental puncture wounds are not a common mode of HIV transmission. HIV can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as through needle sharing, blood transfusion, or occupational injury. However, these cases are rare and can be prevented by using sterile equipment, screening blood products, and following universal precautions.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because casual contact is not a mode of HIV transmission. HIV is not an airborne virus and cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. HIV cannot be transmitted by hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because direct contact with infected body fluids is the most common mode of HIV transmission. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, as these activities can involve contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or pre-ejaculate. HIV can also be transmitted through sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.