Thalidomide intake during pregnancy may lead to which adverse effect in the fetus?

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

Thalidomide is a well-known teratogenic drug that severely disrupts fetal limb development when taken in early pregnancy.
The characteristic defect is phocomelia, a severe limb-reduction anomaly where the long bones of the arms and/or legs are absent or underdeveloped.
This malformation results in the hands or feet appearing to be attached directly to the trunk.
The critical period for this teratogenic effect is between 34 and 50 days of gestation.

Option B: Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles. It is not a characteristic effect of thalidomide exposure.
Option C: Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) where the spinal column fails to close completely around the spinal cord. It is not associated with thalidomide.
Option D: Anencephaly is a severe NTD involving the absence of major parts of the brain and skull. It is not caused by thalidomide.

Visual 1: Image - A photograph or medical illustration of a newborn with phocomelia, showing the characteristic shortened or absent limbs. This provides a powerful visual anchor for the teratogenic effect of thalidomide.
Visual 2: Table - A summary table of common teratogenic drugs and their primary fetal effects (e.g., Thalidomide -> Phocomelia; ACE inhibitors -> Renal defects; Warfarin -> Nasal hypoplasia). This helps in comparative learning.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Teratogenic effects of medications during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This knowledge is critical for nurses when counseling pregnant women or women of childbearing age about medication safety.
A thorough medication history, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, is an essential part of antenatal care to prevent exposure to teratogens.
Patient education on the risks of specific drugs during pregnancy and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before taking any medication is a key nursing responsibility.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of pharmacology and teratology.
First, identify the drug mentioned in the stem: Thalidomide.
Recall the specific, well-documented adverse effect associated with this drug during pregnancy.
Thalidomide is famously linked to a specific type of birth defect.
Evaluate the options to find the one that matches this known effect. Phocomelia is a type of limb defect.
Eliminate the other options, which describe different types of congenital anomalies (neural tube defects, hydrocephalus) associated with other causes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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