The nurse is planning care for a pregnant patient prone to substance abuse. When the patient states, ...

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Most illicit drugs cross the placenta and can cause premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and withdrawal symptoms.
Rationale 2: Certain drugs can cause constriction of placental blood vessels, resulting in decreased nutrient exchange.
Rationale 3: Most illicit drugs cross the placenta and can cause premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and withdrawal symptoms.
Rationale 4: The effect the drug has on the fetus will depend on the stage of fetal development. There is a greater potential for harm during the first trimester but nutrients to the fetus can be compromised by drug abuse during the latter stages of pregnancy.
Rationale 5: While withdrawal can cause irritability in infants born to drug addicts, the risk for irritability is not the reason for abstaining from drug use during pregnancy.