Maternal NCLEX Related

Review Maternal NCLEX related questions and content

The 42-year-old client who had a partial hydatidiform molar pregnancy 3 months ago asks the nurse whether she and her husband can try conceiving again. Which response by the nurse is incorrect and warrants follow-up action by the observing nurse manager?

  • A. “You will need serial levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) drawn.”
  • B. “You cannot conceive ever again because of your risk of choriocarcinoma.”
  • C. “You should not become pregnant yet for 6 to 12 months.”
  • D. “Your risk of another hydatidiform molar pregnancy is low.”
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Women who have had a molar pregnancy can conceive again once their BHCG levels are normal and remain normal for a certain time period, usually 6 to 12 months. This response by the nurse is incorrect and should be followed up by the observing nurse manager. Because of the risk of choriocarcinoma, serial serum BHCG testing is completed after a hydatidiform molar pregnancy. Because the client will undergo serial serum BHCG testing after a hydatidiform molar pregnancy, she should not get pregnant for 6 to 12 months until testing is completed and it is confirmed that she does not have a malignancy. Couples with a past history of molar pregnancy have the same statistical chance of conceiving again and having a normal pregnancy as those without.