Which factor poses a high risk for teratogenic exposure during pregnancy?

The choice that highlights a high risk for teratogenic exposure during pregnancy is linked to occupational exposure, particularly in a part-time oncology nursing role. Oncology nurses may come into contact with a variety of medications and substances, some of which can be classified as teratogens. Teratogens are agents that can cause malformation or abnormalities in a developing fetus when exposure occurs during pregnancy.

Oncology drugs, particularly chemotherapy agents, are known for their potential harmful effects on rapidly dividing cells, including fetal cells. Therefore, a healthcare setting where these substances are handled increases the risk of inadvertent exposure, which can be detrimental to fetal development. This particularly applies during critical periods of organogenesis in the first trimester when teratogenic effects can be more pronounced.

In contrast, factors such as hypertension, age, or travel, while significant in their own rights, do not specifically imply a direct relationship with teratogenic risk in the same way that occupational exposure does. For instance, age of 35 years is often considered a risk factor for genetic anomalies rather than for teratogenic exposure per se. Similarly, while travel may introduce potential exposures, it greatly depends on the destinations and specific circumstances rather than indicating a generalized high risk.