Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

What does the acronym TORCH stand for in prenatal care?

1. Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, CMV, Herpes

2. Teratogenesis, Organ failure, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis

3. Toxoplasmosis, Ovarian issues, Rubeola, Chlamydia, Herpes

4. Toxicity, Organism, Rubella, Chlamydia, Herpes

The correct answer is: Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, CMV, Herpes

The acronym TORCH is widely recognized in prenatal care and refers to a group of infections that can cause severe congenital anomalies or complications in pregnancy. The components of this acronym are essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis refers to an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often transmitted through cat feces or undercooked meat. This infection can lead to serious complications for the fetus, including neurological and ocular damage. The "Other" category is crucial because it encompasses various infections that can affect pregnant individuals, such as syphilis, varicella (chickenpox), and Zika virus, which are not specified in the other parts of the acronym. Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious congenital defects if a mother contracts it during the first trimester, including heart defects, deafness, and intellectual disabilities. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpesvirus family and is the most common viral infection in newborns, potentially leading to hearing loss and developmental delays. Herpes refers to both HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 infections. If a mother has an active herpes infection at the time of delivery, it can be transmitted to the baby,