In following which can cause the abortion?

BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Infections are a well-documented maternal factor that can lead to spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).
Microorganisms can have a direct effect on the fetus by crossing the placenta or cause a systemic maternal illness that compromises the pregnancy.
Specific pathogens strongly associated with abortion include those in the TORCH complex (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes), as well as Listeria and Mycoplasma.

Option A: While specific medications (abortifacients) are used to induce abortion and some drugs are teratogenic, 'Infection' is a more distinct and primary pathological category for spontaneous pregnancy loss among the choices.
Option C: ABO incompatibility is a common condition that primarily causes mild hemolytic disease of the newborn, presenting as neonatal jaundice. It is not a recognized cause of spontaneous abortion.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a valid cause of abortion, 'Infection', is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Spontaneous Abortion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating pregnant women on infection prevention strategies, such as receiving appropriate vaccinations (e.g., rubella vaccine before conception), practicing good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper food preparation to avoid listeriosis and toxoplasmosis.
Screening for infections during antenatal check-ups is a key nursing responsibility to identify and manage potential risks to the pregnancy.
A key part of post-miscarriage care involves providing emotional support and educating the patient about potential causes, clarifying that most early losses are due to factors beyond their control, like genetic issues, rather than their own actions.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question is asking to identify a known cause of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) from the given list.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology.
Consider 'Infection'. Recall that maternal infections, especially the TORCH group, are a significant risk factor for pregnancy loss.
Consider 'Medicine'. Acknowledge that while some drugs can cause abortion, it's a very broad category. In the context of spontaneous abortion, infections are a more specific and common pathological cause.
Consider 'ABO incompatibility'. Differentiate this from Rh incompatibility. Remember that ABO incompatibility typically causes mild issues in the newborn (jaundice) and is not a cause of abortion.
Based on this analysis, conclude that 'Infection' is the most accurate and appropriate answer among the choices provided.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 523-525

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 143-173