A 31-year-old pregnant client in her second trimester of pregnancy presents in the doctor's office with a fever of 102°F. The client is extremely upset and concerned that her elevated temperature may harm her unborn child. Which statement should the nurse include when explaining the client's risk?
A)"Maternal fever is only problematic when it reaches 103° or higher, but temperatures below this level are generally not a concern."
B)"Maternal fever is not associated with birth defects; rather, the medication taken to reduce the fever may cause problems."
C)"Maternal fever is a concern during pregnancy, but the risk to the child is greatest during the first trimester."
D)"Maternal fever is not associated with birth defects, but other types of hyperthermic exposure are associated with them."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Hyperthermic exposure and maternal fever in the first trimester of pregnancy have been associated with congenital defects. Studies indicate that it is the fever itself-not medication or maternal illness-that is associated with such defects. A temperature of 101.3° or greater is considered a fever.
B)Hyperthermic exposure and maternal fever in the first trimester of pregnancy have been associated with congenital defects. Studies indicate that it is the fever itself-not medication or maternal illness-that is associated with such defects. A temperature of 101.3° or greater is considered a fever.
C)Hyperthermic exposure and maternal fever in the first trimester of pregnancy have been associated with congenital defects. Studies indicate that it is the fever itself-not medication or maternal illness-that is associated with such defects. A temperature of 101.3° or greater is considered a fever.
D)Hyperthermic exposure and maternal fever in the first trimester of pregnancy have been associated with congenital defects. Studies indicate that it is the fever itself-not medication or maternal illness-that is associated with such defects. A temperature of 101.3° or greater is considered a fever.

A 31-Year-Old Pregnant Client in Her Second Trimester of Pregnancy