NURS 6501: Final Exam:
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A pregnant female patient with an active Chlamydia trachomatis infection is nearing her delivery date. What are the potential risks to the newborn from this infection?
Group of answer choices
- Conjunctivitis and pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal infection
- Congenital heart defects
- Neonatal jaundice
The correct answer is:
Conjunctivitis and pneumonia
Explanation:
Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. The most common risks to the newborn include conjunctivitis (also known as ophthalmia neonatorum) and pneumonia. The infection typically occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal and is exposed to infected secretions.
Conjunctivitis: Newborns can develop an eye infection, which presents as redness, discharge, and swelling of the eyes.
Pneumonia: Chlamydia can cause respiratory issues in the newborn, leading to symptoms like tachypnea, cough, and wheezing.
Here’s why the other options are less likely:
Gastrointestinal infection: Chlamydia typically does not cause gastrointestinal issues in neonates.
Congenital heart defects: Chlamydia infection does not cause congenital heart defects, which are more typically associated with other factors (e.g., genetic conditions, maternal infections like rubella).
Neonatal jaundice: While jaundice can occur in newborns for various reasons, Chlamydia trachomatis is not a common cause.
Thus, conjunctivitis and pneumonia are the primary risks to the newborn from an active Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the mother.
