The nurse is caring for a prenatal client with gingivitis during their fourth-month clinic visit. The client mentions having a tooth extraction planned for the following month and wonders whether they can proceed with the procedure.
Which information should the nurse provide to the prenatal individual?
The nurse is caring for a prenatal client with gingivitis during their fourth-month clinic visit. The client mentions having a tooth extraction planned for the following month and wonders whether they can proceed with the procedure.
Which information should the nurse provide to the prenatal individual?
A. The second trimester is the safest period for dental extractions.
[44%]
B. She will need to wait until after delivery to have the procedure performed.
[35%]
C. She should wait until the third trimester to have the procedure performed.
[10%]
D. She should take anti-viral medications before the procedure to prevent illness.
[10%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Antepartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Related Topic
Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of developing gingivitis and cavities. The client has gingivitis, and it appears that her dentist recommended tooth extraction for her. There is some concern regarding undergoing dental extractions during pregnancy. Elective dental surgery should be deferred until the second trimester (weeks 13 through 28). By the second trimester, fetal organogenesis is complete, and the risk of adverse effects from procedure/medications is lower.
Choice B is incorrect. Delaying a necessary dental procedure until after delivery might not be advisable, as untreated dental issues can lead to harm to the mother and fetus. The focus should be on balancing the needs of the client's dental health with the safety of the developing fetus.
Choice C is incorrect. While dental procedures can be performed during the third trimester, the second trimester is generally considered the safest period for elective procedures. There is also a risk of hypotension in the supine position, so short dental appointments are advocated during the 3rd trimester. It is, therefore, better not to perform elective dental extractions during the 3rd trimester.
Choice D is incorrect. Taking anti-viral medications before a dental procedure is not a standard practice for preventing illness in the context of routine dental extractions. The decision about medications should be made in consultation with both the dentist and the prenatal care provider, considering the specific circumstances and medications involved.
Related Videos
4 Key Topics
2nd Trimester
28.1 Pregnancy Basics & Early Assessment
Aches & Pains
28.4 Pregnancy Documentation & Physical Changes
Additional Info
✓ Emergency treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. However, elective dental surgery should be deferred until the second trimester (weeks 13 through 28).
✓ The consequences of not treating a dental infection during pregnancy outweigh the possible risks of the medications.
✓ Research indicates an association between untreated dental issues, particularly periodontal disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth.
✓ Pregnant individuals with untreated dental problems may have a higher risk of delivering prematurely.
