Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

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A client at 20 weeks gestation has just been examined during a prenatal visit. Which assessment should the nurse recognize as an abnormal finding and the need for further testing?

  • A. Fundal height of 26 cm
  • B. Pulse rate 15 bpm higher than her prepregnancy pulse
  • C. Blood pressure of 128/68
  • D. Deep tendon reflexes +2
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. At 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height should correspond closely to the number of weeks pregnant (around 20 cm). A fundal height of 26 cm indicates potential fetal growth abnormalities or incorrect dating. Further testing, such as an ultrasound, is needed to assess fetal growth and well-being.

Choice B (Pulse rate 15 bpm higher) is not typically concerning during pregnancy as pulse rate can increase due to physiological changes. Choice C (Blood pressure of 128/68) falls within the normal range for pregnancy. Choice D (Deep tendon reflexes +2) is a normal finding and not an indication for further testing.

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A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have:

  • A. amenorrhea.
  • B. positive pregnancy test.
  • C. Chadwick's sign.
  • D. Hegar's sign.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs of pregnancy are felt by the woman.

A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability is called a:

  • A. primipara.
  • B. primigravida.
  • C. multipara.
  • D. nulligravida.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A primipara is a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a viable fetus.

A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider’s office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and
gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as ________ and may indicate anemia.

  • A. ptyalism
  • B. pyrosis
  • C. pica
  • D. decreased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron.

A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items.
B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel.
D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.

After receiving information on the signs and symptoms of potential complications during pregnancy, the prenatal client knows to immediately report which of the following to her health care provider? Select all that apply.

  • A. Backache and flank pain
  • B. Burning on urination
  • C. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness
  • D. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enlargement of breasts and tenderness. This is because backache, flank pain, burning on urination, abdominal cramping, and vaginal bleeding are not typically associated with potential complications during pregnancy. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness could indicate conditions like preeclampsia or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. The other choices do not directly relate to pregnancy complications and may not be urgent concerns. It's crucial for the prenatal client to report any unusual or concerning symptoms to her healthcare provider promptly to ensure the safety of both her and the baby.

A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:

  • A. is painless.
  • B. increases with walking.
  • C. causes cervical dilation.
  • D. impedes oxygen flow to the fetus.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Uterine contractions can be felt through the abdominal wall soon after the fourth month of gestation. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and painless and continue throughout the pregnancy.

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