In the case of a newborn whose mother is a drug addict and has suspected cytomegalovirus disease, what might be the suspected cause of the disease?

Prepare for the Evolve Maternity Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

The suspected cause of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in a newborn whose mother is a drug addict is primarily related to risks associated with the mother’s behavior and health. While the provided answer suggests that having multiple sexual partners could explain the mother's drug use and possible exposure to CMV, it is essential to understand that CMV is more commonly transmitted through close contact, particularly bodily fluids, rather than solely through sexual activity.

In this context, CMV can be transmitted during pregnancy from the mother to the baby, especially if the mother has an active CMV infection. Factors such as substance abuse can lead to reduced immunity and higher vulnerability to infections, increasing the risk of congenital infections like CMV. Hence, the link between drug use and the transmission of infectious diseases is crucial in understanding the risks posed to the newborn.

Other choices do not directly relate to the specific transmission of CMV in the context of the mother's condition. While sharing needles could imply potential exposure to various infections, it's not the primary transmission route for CMV. Similarly, living in a high-crime area or exposure to second-hand smoke does not correlate with the direct transmission of cytomegalovirus to the neonate in this scenario. The focus here should remain on how maternal

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