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: Pica (a desire to eat nonfood substances) is an indication of iron deficiency and should be evaluated.
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Which statement about a condition of pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Insufficient salivation (ptyalism) is caused by increases in estrogen
- B. Acid indigestion (pyrosis) begins early but declines throughout pregnancy
- C. Hyperthyroidism often develops (temporarily) because hormone production increases
- D. Nausea and vomiting rarely have harmful effects on the fetus and may be beneficial
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are common and rarely harmful, potentially offering protective benefits. Ptyalism involves excessive salivation, pyrosis worsens later in pregnancy, and hyperthyroidism does not typically develop.
The fallopian tubes are:
- A. Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organs located posterior and superior to the urinary bladder
- B. A pair of muscular tubes that extend from the left and right superior corners of the uterus to the edge of the ovaries
- C. 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: B
Rationale: The fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fertilisation.
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. amenorrhe
- B. positive pregnancy test.
- C. Chadwick's sign.
- D. Hegar's sign.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: amenorrhea. At 10 weeks of gestation, a woman should have missed at least two menstrual periods, indicating amenorrhea. This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy as it is a common early pregnancy symptom. Positive pregnancy test (B) confirms pregnancy but is not specific to 10 weeks. Chadwick's sign (C) is a bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina, typically seen around 6-8 weeks, not specifically at 10 weeks. Hegar's sign (D) is softening of the lower uterine segment, usually felt around 6-12 weeks, not specifically at 10 weeks.
Now in her second trimester of pregnancy, the client, who was a marathon runner before nausea and overwhelming tiredness kept her from exercising regularly, is wondering whether she can run now. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Certainly, if you feel up to it.
- B. Your level of exercise will be somewhat modified by the changes occurring in your body.
- C. Your primary health care provider will need to give you permission.
- D. Because your body is meeting the needs of two people now, you should avoid too much exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Your level of exercise will be somewhat modified by the changes occurring in your body."
Rationale:
1. Pregnancy impacts a woman's body significantly, including changes in hormones, weight distribution, and center of gravity.
2. These changes can affect a woman's ability to engage in high-impact activities like running.
3. The nurse's response acknowledges the need for modification in exercise routine to accommodate these changes.
4. It promotes a balanced approach to exercise during pregnancy, considering both the benefits of physical activity and the safety of the mother and baby.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: "Certainly, if you feel up to it." - This response oversimplifies the situation and does not consider the specific physiological changes during pregnancy that may impact the woman's ability to run safely.
C: "Your primary health care provider will need to give you permission." - While consulting a healthcare provider is important, this response does not address the specific concerns related to exercise during pregnancy.
Which physiologic finding is consistent with normal pregnancy?
- A. Systemic vascular resistance increases as blood pressure decreases.
- B. Cardiac output increases during pregnancy.
- C. Blood pressure remains consistent independent of position changes
- D. Maternal vasoconstriction occurs in response to increased metabolism.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during pregnancy, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients increases, leading to an increase in cardiac output to meet these needs. This is due to the expansion of blood volume and the need to supply the growing fetus. Systemic vascular resistance decreases to accommodate the increased blood flow, so choice A is incorrect. Blood pressure typically decreases in early pregnancy but may change with position due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava, making choice C incorrect. Maternal vasodilation, not vasoconstriction, occurs in response to increased metabolism to support the increased blood flow needed for the growing fetus, making choice D incorrect.