Nokea
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: The correct answer is A: is painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually painless and irregular. They do not lead to cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow to the fetus. By educating the patient that these contractions are normal and not a cause for concern, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase with walking, cause cervical dilation, or impact oxygen flow to the fetus. It is important for the patient to understand the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions to avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the term for the step in maternal role attainment that relates to the woman giving up certain aspects of her previous life?
- A. Fantasy
- B. Grief work
- C. Role playing
- D. Looking for a fit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Grief work. In the process of maternal role attainment, giving up certain aspects of her previous life involves experiencing grief over the losses associated with the new role. This step is essential for the woman to fully embrace her new identity as a mother. Fantasy (A) refers to imagining scenarios, role playing (C) involves acting out behaviors, and looking for a fit (D) focuses on finding a balance between personal needs and the demands of the maternal role. Grief work is the most appropriate term that specifically addresses the emotional process of letting go and adjusting to the new responsibilities of motherhood.
The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:
- A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
- B. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta
- C. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
- D. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus.
A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume.
D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many changes occur as a direct result of the presence of the fetus. Which of these adaptations meet this criterion? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Leukorrhea
- B. Development of the operculum
- C. Quickening
- D. Ballottement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier.
A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence.
C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation.
D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.
The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick's sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?
- A. "Chadwick's sign signifies an increased risk of blood clots in pregnant women
- B. “That sign means the cervix has softened as the result of tissue changes that
naturally occur with pregnancy.” - C. "This means that a mucus plug has formed in the cervical canal to help protect you from uterine infection."
- D. "This sign occurs normally in pregnancy, when estrogen causes increased blood flow in the area of the cervix."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, a result of pregnancy hormones. The mucus plug forming in the cervical canal indicates protection from uterine infections, a crucial function during pregnancy. This response directly correlates Chadwick's sign with its physiological significance, showing the nurse's knowledge and ability to educate the patient effectively. Other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe Chadwick's sign or its implications in pregnancy.
Which finding is a positive sign of pregnancy?
- A. Amenorrhea
- B. Breast changes
- C. Fetal movement felt by the woman
- D. Visualization of fetus by ultrasound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Breast changes. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause breast enlargement, tenderness, and darkening of the areolas. This is considered a positive sign of pregnancy because it is a direct physiological response to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Amenorrhea (choice A) is a common early sign of pregnancy but can also be due to other factors. Fetal movement (choice C) and visualization of fetus by ultrasound (choice D) are considered presumptive and probable signs of pregnancy, respectively, but not definitive positive signs like breast changes.