Which potential complication should a nurse monitor for in a prenatal client diagnosed with parvovirus infection?

• A. Fetal hydrops
• B. Neural tube defects
• C. Placenta previa
• D. Gestational diabetes

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of parvovirus infection in pregnancy. Parvovirus B19 is known to infect red blood cell precursors, which can lead to anemia in the fetus.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the primary fetal complication of maternal parvovirus infection is related to severe fetal anemia, which can cause heart failure and accumulation of fluid in fetal compartments.
3. Step 3: Identify that this accumulation of fluid in fetal tissues and cavities is called 'fetal hydrops,' a serious condition characterized by abnormal fluid buildup.
4. Step 4: Differentiate fetal hydrops from other listed complications such as neural tube defects, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes, which are unrelated to parvovirus infection.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the nurse should monitor for signs of fetal hydrops in a prenatal client diagnosed with parvovirus infection, as it is the most relevant and serious potential complication.