The client is pregnant and has been told by her physician that she needs cyanocobalamin (Anacobin). She asks the nurse, "Will this hurt my baby?" What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DCyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is considered safe during pregnancy and is not known to cause harm to the fetus. It is essential for the development of the baby's nervous system. The classification of drugs into pregnancy categories (A, B, C, D, X) by the FDA helps to identify the potential risk to the fetus. Category A drugs are considered the safest, with controlled studies in women failing to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester (and no evidence of risk in later trimesters). While the specific categorization of cyanocobalamin may vary and the FDA has moved away from the A, B, C, D, X classification system, the key point is that cyanocobalamin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, whether in pill or injectable form. The responses suggesting it is safe (B and D) are correct, although the specific mention of it being a Category A drug might not align with the latest FDA categorization system. The safety of cyanocobalamin during pregnancy is not contingent upon taking it with ascorbic acid or limiting its use to the third trimester.

The Client Is Pregnant and Has Been Told by Her