A pregnant woman tells the perinatal nurse that she stopped abusing other drugs when she learned that she was pregnant but kept using marijuana because "it is so harmless." What response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marijuana use is associated with carbon monoxide levels five times higher than those produced with cigarettes and can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and abnormal neonatal neurobehavior (hyperirritability,tremors,photosensitivity).Marijuana can also lead to and language abnormalities up to 48 months of age.The nurse should not agree that it is less dangerous than other drugs,but should also not tell the mother the child may have withdrawal syndrome,as that information is incorrect.Assessing the mother for a complete history of drug use is important,but is not directly related to the effects of marijuana,and is less important.

A Pregnant Woman Tells the Perinatal Nurse That She Stopped