08-08-2006, 10:56 AM
A 32-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, who is at 38 weeks' gestation, is brought to the office by her coworker 15 minutes after the patient appeared to have had a seizure at work. The coworker says the patient was working at her computer when she suddenly fell to the floor, began shaking, and had incontinence of urine. She was unresponsive to voice until approximately 5 minutes after the episode. The patient has received routine prenatal care throughout her pregnancy. She has a history of mild, persistent asthma treated with corticosteroid inhalers. Vital signs on arrival are temperature 36.7°C (98.0°F), pulse 100/min, respirations 22/min, and blood pressure 160/110 mm Hg. The patient is alert but disoriented to time and place. She has no recollection of the episode. Physical examination shows bruising of her left arm and a bite on the lower lip. Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding the risk of harm to the fetus?
A
) The fetus is at risk for developing intrauterine hypoxia
B
) The fetus will die unless it is delivered immediately
C
) The risk to the fetus depends on any coexisting respiratory condition
D
) The risk to the fetus is minimal because the seizure was short-lived
E
) The risk to the fetus will not be increased if the seizure does not recur
A
) The fetus is at risk for developing intrauterine hypoxia
B
) The fetus will die unless it is delivered immediately
C
) The risk to the fetus depends on any coexisting respiratory condition
D
) The risk to the fetus is minimal because the seizure was short-lived
E
) The risk to the fetus will not be increased if the seizure does not recur