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A woman arrives at the clinic seeking confirmation that she is pregnant. The following information is obtained: She is 24 years old with a body mass index (BMI) of 17.5. She admits to having used cocaine ""several times"" during the past year and drinks alcohol occasionally. Her blood pressure (BP) is 108/70 mm Hg, her pulse rate is 72 beats/min, and her respiratory rate is 16 breaths/min. The family history is positive for diabetes mellitus and cancer. Her sister recently gave birth to an infant with a neural tube defect (NTD). Which characteristics place the woman in a high risk category?

a. Blood pressure, age, BMI

b. Drug/alcohol use, age, family history

c. Family history, blood pressure, BMI

d. Family history, BMI, drug/alcohol abuse

2 Answers

6 votes

Final answer:

The woman is in a high-risk pregnancy category due to her family history of diabetes and cancer, low BMI, and history of drug and alcohol use, which all contribute to potential complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics that place the woman in a high risk category for complications during pregnancy are her family history of diabetes mellitus and cancer, her low body mass index (BMI) of 17.5, and her drug/alcohol use. The family history of diabetes can increase the risk of gestational diabetes. A low BMI may be associated with nutritional deficiencies that could affect pregnancy. The use of cocaine and alcohol is highly concerning due to their potential to cause serious developmental problems in the fetus, including an increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs), which is especially relevant given her sister's experience with an infant born with an NTD. Therefore, the correct answer to this question would be 'd. Family history, BMI, drug/alcohol abuse.'

User Patrick Garner
by
8.1k points
6 votes

Final answer:

The woman is in a high-risk pregnancy category due to her family history of diabetes and cancer, low BMI, and history of drug and alcohol use, which all contribute to potential complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics that place the woman in a high risk category for complications during pregnancy are her family history of diabetes mellitus and cancer, her low body mass index (BMI) of 17.5, and her drug/alcohol use. The family history of diabetes can increase the risk of gestational diabetes. A low BMI may be associated with nutritional deficiencies that could affect pregnancy. The use of cocaine and alcohol is highly concerning due to their potential to cause serious developmental problems in the fetus, including an increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs), which is especially relevant given her sister's experience with an infant born with an NTD. Therefore, the correct answer to this question would be 'd. Family history, BMI, drug/alcohol abuse.'

User Dale Peters
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9.0k points