NCLEX Question for Preconception Medication

A young couple has just completed a preconception visit in the maternity clinic.  Before leaving, the woman asks the nurse why she was instructed not to take any over-the-counter medications. The nurse should reply.

a. .  “Research has found that many of these drugs have been linked to problems with getting pregnant.”
b.  “At conception, and in the first trimester, these drugs can be as dangerous to the fetus as prescription drugs.
c.  “You should only take drugs that the physician has ordered during pregnancy.”
d.  “Any drug is dangerous at this time; later on in pregnancy if won’t matter.”

Correct Answer: b.. It is best to avoid any medication when planning a pregnancy and during the first trimester; the greatest potential for gross abnormalities in the fetus occurs during the first trimester, when fetal organs are first developing.  The greatest danger extends from day 31 after the last menstrual period to day 71. Problems with fertility have been linked to many areas, such as smoking, alcohol (in male infertility), and pelvic inflammatory disease; this connection has not been found with most common over-the-counter medications.
Even prescription drugs may have a teratogenic effect (cause serious defects) on the fetus; the rule to follow is that the advantage of using a particular medication must outweigh the risks.
Even thought he most dangerous time for the fetus is conception and the first trimester of pregnancy, some medications have teratogenic effects 9cause serious defects) when taken in the second and third trimesters.

Posted in: MCN NCLEX