Nokea
A nurse is instructing a pregnant patient concerning the potential risk to her fetus from a pregnancy category B drug. The nurse would inform the patient that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Category B indicates that animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus but there have been no adequate studies in pregnant women. However, there have not been adequate studies in pregnant women to demonstrate risk to a fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy and no evidence of risk in later trimesters. Category A indicates that adequate studies in pregnant women have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus in the first trimester or in later trimesters. Category C indicates that animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus but there have been no adequate studies in humans. Category D reveals evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits from the use of the drugs in pregnant women may outweigh the risks.