Question

The nurse is using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy categories to research a drug that has been ordered for a pregnant woman. The nurse notes that the drug ordered is in category X. What does this mean about the drug?

Select one:
a. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category X has been associated with teratogenic effects and should not be administered.
b. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category X is based on animal studies and does not apply to humans.
c. The pregnant woman should be informed of the risks and benefits of the drug and allowed to choose whether or not to take the drug.
d. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category X is safe to use during pregnancy.

Answer 1

FDA pregnancy category X means the drug should not be administered to pregnant women due to potential teratogenic effects and associated risks to the fetus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category X indicates that a drug has been associated with teratogenic effects and is contraindicated in pregnancy. This means that the risks involved in the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. Category X drugs should not be used in pregnant women because they can cause fetal abnormalities or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience, or both, and the risk of using the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit.