Nursing Pharmacology Drug Classifications Related

Review Nursing Pharmacology Drug Classifications related questions and content

A nurse is instructing a pregnant patient concerning the potential risk to her fetus from a Pregnancy Category B drug. What would the nurse inform the patient?

  • A. Adequate studies in pregnant women have demonstrated there is no risk to the fetus.
  • B. Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there have been no adequate studies in pregnant women.
  • C. Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
  • D. There is evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits from use of the drug may be acceptable despite potential risks.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Category B indicates that animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus. 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 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 potential risks.