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Assessment of a newborn reveals congenital cataracts, microcephaly, deafness, and cardiac anomalies. Which infection does the nurse suspect that the newborn's mother contracted during her pregnancy?

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Final answer:

The assessment of a newborn revealing congenital cataracts, microcephaly, deafness, and cardiac anomalies suggests that the infection the nurse might suspect the mother contracted during pregnancy is Rubella (Option 1).

Step-by-step explanation:

The constellation of symptoms in the newborn - congenital cataracts, microcephaly, deafness, and cardiac anomalies - strongly suggest that the mother may have had an infection with Rubella during pregnancy, indicative of congenital rubella syndrome. These symptoms are consistent with congenital rubella syndrome, which is known to cause developmental defects if the rubella virus crosses the placenta during the critical periods of pregnancy.

Other infections such as herpes virus type 2, toxoplasmosis gondii, and chlamydia trachomatis can also have detrimental effects on a newborn, but the combination of symptoms described is most indicative of rubella infection.

Thus, the correct option is number 1.

Your question is incomplete but most probably your full question was

Assessment of a newborn reveals congenital cataracts, microcephaly, deafness, and cardiac anomalies. Which infection does the nurse suspect that the newborn's mother contracted during her pregnancy?

1. rubella

2. herpes virus type 2

3. toxoplasmosis gondii

4. chlamydia trachomatis

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