Substance use in pregnancy — MCQs

A male newborn delivered at 32 weeks' gestation to a 41-year-old woman dies shortly after birth. The mother did not receive prenatal care and consistently consumed alcohol during her pregnancy. At autopsy, examination shows microcephaly, an eye in the midline, a cleft lip, and a single basal ganglion. Failure of which of the following processes is the most likely cause of this condition?

A 30-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 40 weeks' gestation is admitted to the hospital in active labor. Her first pregnancy and delivery were complicated by iron deficiency anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension. She has had no routine prenatal care during this pregnancy but was diagnosed with oligohydramnios 4 weeks ago. The remainder of her medical history is not immediately available. A 2400-g (5.4-lb) female newborn is delivered vaginally. Examination of the newborn shows a short, mildly webbed neck and low-set ears. Ocular hypertelorism along with slanted palpebral fissures are noted. A cleft palate and hypoplasia of the nails and distal phalanges are present. There is increased coarse hair on the body and face. Which of the following best explains the clinical findings found in this newborn?

A 31-year-old G3P0 is admitted to the hospital with profuse vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain at 34 weeks gestation. She reports passing bright blood with clots and no water in the discharge. She denies recent trauma or medical illnesses. She had no prenatal care. Her previous pregnancies culminated in spontaneous abortions in the second trimester. She has a 6-year history of drug abuse and cocaine smoking 2 hours prior to the onset of her symptoms. Her blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg, the heart rate is 93/min, the respiratory rate is 19/min, and the temperature is 36.9℃ (98.4℉). The fetal heart rate is 110/min. On examination, the patient is lethargic. Her pupils are constricted, but reactive to light bilaterally. There are no signs of trauma. Abdominal palpation identifies lower abdominal tenderness and strong uterine contractions. The fundus of the uterus is between the xiphoid process and umbilicus. The patient’s perineum is grossly bloody. On pelvic examination, the vaginal canal is without lesions. The cervix is almost completely effaced and 2 cm dilated. Which of the following options is the most likely cause of the patient’s pregnancy-related condition?

A 5-year-old boy is brought to his neurologist for continued treatment of muscle spasms. His past medical history is significant for a brain abnormality that was detected neonatally when it presented with an enlarged posterior fossa as well as a malformed cerebellar vermis. Since birth, he has had developmental delay, high muscle tone, difficulty with coordination, and speech delay. He has been treated with a number of therapies to relax his muscle tone such as baclofen. Which of the following conditions is associated with this patient's most likely condition?

A 27-year-old homeless man presents to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. He has a known history of intravenous drug use and has been admitted to the hospital several times before. On physical examination his temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 19/min, and pulse oximetry is 99% on room air. The patient is in obvious discomfort. There is increased salivation and lacrimation. Pupils are reactive to light and 5 mm bilaterally. Cardiopulmonary exam is unremarkable. There is diffuse abdominal tenderness to palpation with no rebound or guarding. Which of the following interventions would have prevented this patient’s current condition?

A 38-year-old primigravid woman at 34 weeks' gestation comes to the emergency department because of progressive shortness of breath for 3 hours. At a prenatal visit 2 weeks earlier, she was diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Amniocentesis with chromosomal analysis was performed at 16 weeks' gestation and showed no abnormalities. The patient has been otherwise healthy, except for a deep venous thrombosis 2 years ago that was treated with low molecular weight heparin. Her current medications include methyldopa and a multivitamin. She appears anxious. Her pulse is 90/min, respirations are 24/min, and blood pressure is 170/100 mm Hg. Crackles are heard over both lung bases. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 32-week gestation. Examination of the heart, abdomen, and extremities shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's shortness of breath?

A 37-year-old woman presents to her physician with a newly detected pregnancy for the initial prenatal care visit. She is gravida 3 para 2 with a history of preeclampsia in her 1st pregnancy. Her history is also significant for arterial hypertension diagnosed 1 year ago for which she did not take any medications. The patient reports an 8-pack-year smoking history and states she quit smoking a year ago. On examination, the vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg, heart rate 69/min, respiratory rate 14/min, and temperature 36.6°C (97.9°F). The physical examination is unremarkable. Which of the following options is the most appropriate next step in the management for this woman?

A 35-year-old woman gravida 2, para 1, comes to the physician for her first prenatal visit. Pregnancy and delivery of her first child were uncomplicated. She is not sure about the date of her last menstrual period. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 10-week gestation. An ultrasound examination confirms the gestational age and shows one fetus with no indication of multiple gestations. During counseling on pregnancy risks and possible screening and diagnostic tests, the patient states she would like to undergo screening for Down syndrome. She would prefer immediate and secure screening with a low risk to herself and the fetus. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management at this time?

A 67-year-old man comes to the clinic for establishment of care. He recently retired and moved to Florida with his wife. His past medical history includes hypertension, diabetes, chronic back pain, and hyperlipidemia. According to the patient, he takes lisinopril, metformin, atorvastatin, acetaminophen, and methadone. His previous doctor prescribed methadone for breakthrough pain as he has been having more severe pain episodes due to the recent move. He is currently out of his methadone and asks for a refill on the prescription. A physical examination is unremarkable except for mild lower extremity edema bilaterally and diffuse lower back pain upon palpation. What is the best initial step in the management of this patient?

A 23-year-old primigravida presents to her physician’s office at 12 weeks gestation complaining of increased sweating and palpitations for the last week. She does not have edema or dyspnea, and had no pre-existing illnesses. The patient says that the symptoms started a few days after several episodes of vomiting. She managed the vomiting at home and yesterday the vomiting stopped, but the symptoms she presents with are persistent. The pre-pregnancy weight was 54 kg (119 lb). The current weight is 55 kg (121 lb). The vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 130/85 mm Hg, heart rate 113/min, respiratory rate 15/min, and temperature 37.0℃ (98.6℉). The physical examination is significant for diaphoresis, an irregular heartbeat, and a fine resting tremor of the hands. The neck is not enlarged and the thyroid gland is not palpable. The ECG shows sinus tachyarrhythmia. The thyroid panel is as follows: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.1 mU/L Total T4 178 nmol/L Free T4 31 pmol/L Which of the following is indicated?