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: Braxton Hicks contractions are regular, painless, and do not cause cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow. They may cease with activity like walking.
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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: Increased vascular volume ensures adequate placental perfusion to support fetal growth and oxygenation.
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. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
- D. Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the second trimester, the pulse rate increases by 10-15 beats per minute, while blood pressure typically decreases slightly due to hormonal and circulatory changes.
The vagina is:
- A. Used to fertilise an ovum before moving onto the fallopian tubes
- B. A mass of glandular tissue situated over the pectoral muscles
- C. An elastic muscular tube, connecting the cervix to the uterus
- D. Used to stop the menstrual flow from leaving the body
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix to the external genitalia, serving as a passage for menstrual flow and childbirth.
The cervix is:
- A. An elastic, muscular tube that connects the cervix to the uterus to the exterior of the body
- B. A collective name for the labia
- C. Connected to the testes
- D. The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb), forming a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina, serving as a passageway for sperm, menstrual flow, and childbirth.
A patient in her first trimester complains of nausea and vomiting. She asks, 'Why does this happen?' The nurse's best response is:
- A. It is due to an increase in gastric motility
- B. It may be due to changes in hormones
- C. It is related to an increase in glucose levels
- D. It is caused by a decrease in gastric secretions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are primarily caused by hormonal changes, particularly elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone levels.