Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Quizlet Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Quizlet related questions and content

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a prenatal client. She notices that her hemoglobin is 10.5. The nurse realizes this laboratory result indicates which of the following?

  • A. Low vitamin intake has resulted in a decrease in red blood cell production.
  • B. Plasma volume increase is greater than red blood cell production and has resulted in a decrease in hemoglobin.
  • C. This is a serious problem that might harm the fetus.
  • D. A repeat blood test should be done immediately to confirm that the client has anemia
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a hemoglobin level of 10.5 indicates a decrease in hemoglobin concentration, which is typically caused by an increase in plasma volume during pregnancy. This dilution effect results in a lower concentration of red blood cells in the blood, leading to lower hemoglobin levels. This physiological change is normal during pregnancy and is known as physiological anemia.

Choice A is incorrect because low vitamin intake would not directly result in a decrease in red blood cell production leading to low hemoglobin levels.

Choice C is incorrect because a hemoglobin level of 10.5, although lower than normal, does not necessarily indicate a serious problem that would harm the fetus.

Choice D is incorrect because a repeat blood test is not immediately necessary to confirm anemia as the low hemoglobin level can be explained by the normal increase in plasma volume during pregnancy.