Final answer:
In chorioamnionitis, antibiotics tailored to the causative agents are used, which might include ampicillin and other antibiotics, and they may be continued post-delivery if the infection persists. The common pathogens are primarily from maternal flora, like Group B Streptococcus. An epidural can cause maternal fever, which may lead to fetal tachycardia, but this fever is not an indication of chorioamnionitis itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chorioamnionitis Overview
Chorioamnionitis, also known as intra-amniotic infection, is a bacterial infection that affects the membranes surrounding the fetus, the amniotic fluid, and the placenta. It's a significant risk factor for both mother and baby during pregnancy and can lead to serious complications like preterm birth.
- Antibiotic Treatment: The typical antibiotic treatment for a woman with chorioamnionitis includes antibiotics such as ampicillin along with gentamicin. The treatment can be adjusted depending on the identified causative agent or based on susceptibility testing results.
- Persistent Infection Post-Delivery: Antibiotics are not automatically discontinued after delivery. If there is an ongoing infection or if the mother is at risk, the antibiotics may be continued postpartum until the infection is resolved.
- Causative Pathogens: The most common pathogens causing chorioamnionitis are bacteria part of the maternal flora, such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), E.coli, and other anaerobic bacteria, not typically pneumococci or CMV.
- Epidural Fever: There is evidence that an epidural can cause maternal fever, which may in turn be associated with fetal tachycardia. However, an epidural itself is not a cause of chorioamnionitis.
The correct answer to the question would be option D: "An epidural can cause maternal fever and fetal tachycardia," but it's important to clarify that maternal fever due to epidural is not indicative of infection and does not equal chorioamnionitis.