What is the most dangerous effect on the fetus of a mother who smokes cigarettes while pregnant?
Genetic changes and anomalies
Intrauterine growth restriction
Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled
Extensive central nervous system damage
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Genetic changes and anomalies are not the most dangerous effect, as they are rare and not directly caused by smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of some birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, but these are not genetic changes and can be corrected by surgery. Smoking can also cause chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, but these usually result in miscarriage or stillbirth, not live births.
Choice B reason: Maternal smoking is a significant risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to lower birth weights and smaller body lengths.
Choice C reason: Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled is not the most dangerous effect, as it is not permanent and can be treated by medication and supportive care. Smoking can expose the fetus to nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals, which can cross the placenta and affect the fetal brain and nervous system. Smoking can also cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, such as irritability, tremors, and difficulty feeding.
Choice D reason: Although prenatal exposure to smoking can affect neurodevelopment and is associated with behavioral issues, extensive central nervous system damage is not the most immediate or dangerous effect. The most critical concern remains intrauterine growth restriction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A previous birth of a large infant (macrosomia) is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A large infant may indicate that the mother had high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, which can cause the fetus to grow larger than normal. Women who have had a large infant are more likely to develop GDM in subsequent pregnancies.
Choice B reason: Underweight before pregnancy is not a risk factor for GDM. In fact, being overweight or obese before pregnancy is a risk factor for GDM, as it increases insulin resistance and makes it harder for the body to use glucose effectively.
Choice C reason: A previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is not a risk factor for GDM. It is a contraindication for GDM, as it means that the woman already has diabetes before pregnancy. GDM is a condition that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery.
Choice D reason: Maternal age younger than 25 years is not a risk factor for GDM. In fact, being older than 25 years is a risk factor for GDM, as it increases the risk of insulin resistance and other metabolic changes that can affect glucose tolerance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cramping is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to the stretching of the ligaments and muscles that support the uterus. It is not a specific sign of abruptio placentae, which is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
Choice B reason: Uterine activity is a normal phenomenon of pregnancy, as the uterus contracts and relaxes periodically. It is not a specific sign of abruptio placentae, which is associated with increased uterine tone and tenderness.
Choice C reason: Bleeding is a possible sign of both abruptio placentae and placenta previa, which is the implantation of the placenta over or near the cervical os. However, bleeding is more common and severe in placenta previa than in abruptio placentae, as the latter can have concealed hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: Intense abdominal pain is the most prevalent clinical manifestation of abruptio placentae, as the blood accumulates behind the placenta and causes pressure and irritation of the uterine nerves. It is a distinguishing sign from placenta previa, which is usually painless.
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