Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

A client is complaining of heartburn. The nurse understands this is caused by which change of pregnancy?

  • A. An increase in water reabsorption by the colon
  • B. The relaxation of the lower esophageal ('cardiac') sphincter
  • C. A decrease in the capacity of the stomach
  • D. An increase in stomach acid production
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The relaxation of the lower esophageal ('cardiac') sphincter. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux. The other choices are incorrect because heartburn in pregnancy is not caused by an increase in water reabsorption by the colon (A), a decrease in the capacity of the stomach (C), or an increase in stomach acid production (D). The key factor in pregnancy-related heartburn is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid reflux into the esophagus.

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Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?

  • A. Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2)
  • B. Increased pulse rate
  • C. Increased blood pressure
  • D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation, the pulse increases about 10 to 15 beats/min, which persists to term.

The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can expect to experience what change?

  • A. Her center of gravity will shift backward.
  • B. She will have increased lordosis.
  • C. She will have increased abdominal muscle tone.
  • D. She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: An increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis) develops, and a compensatory curvature in the cervicodorsal region develops to help the woman maintain her balance.

Dysmenorrhea is otherwise known as:

  • A. Inflammation of the breast
  • B. The inability to conceive
  • C. Painful periods
  • D. The onset of puberty
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods, often caused by uterine contractions.

Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?

  • A. Viability—22 to 37 weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) (assuming a fetal weight >500 g)
  • B. Full Term—Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40
  • C. Preterm—Pregnancy from 20 to 28 weeks
  • D. Postdate—Pregnancy that extends beyond 38 weeks
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Full term is defined as pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 to the end of week 40. Viability occurs at 22-24 weeks, preterm is before 37 weeks, and postdate is beyond 42 weeks.

During sexual intercourse, the sperm cells then enter the uterus though the and travel to the egg tubes:

  • A. Cervix
  • B. Fallopian tubes
  • C. Ovaries
  • D. Mammary glands
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sperm enters the uterus through the cervix and travels to the fallopian tubes to reach the egg.

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