Nokea
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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The nurse is educating a client at her first prenatal visit about hormone changes. The nurse explains that which of the following is the purpose of progesterone?
- A. Stimulates uterine development
- B. Relaxes pelvic ligaments and joints
- C. Prepares breasts for lactation
- D. Relaxes smooth muscles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles. Progesterone is essential during pregnancy to maintain the uterine lining and prevent contractions that could lead to miscarriage. It also relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent premature labor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because progesterone's primary role is not to stimulate uterine development, relax pelvic ligaments and joints, or prepare breasts for lactation.
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their cardiovascular system, maternity nurses should be aware that:
- A. a pregnant woman experiencing disturbed cardiac rhythm, such as sinus arrhythmia requires close medical and obstetric observation, no matter how healthy she otherwise may appear
- B. changes in heart size and position and increases in blood volume create auditory changes from 20 weeks to term
- C. palpitations are twice as likely to occur in twin gestations
- D. all of the above changes will likely occur
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Auditory changes in the heart occur due to positional and structural changes during pregnancy. Sinus arrhythmia is common and benign unless accompanied by other symptoms.
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 primary function of increased vascular volume is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus via the placenta.
A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been reporting nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
- A. this is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy caused by elevated levels of estrogen.
- B. this is an abnormal cardiovascular change, and the nosebleeds are an ominous sign.
- C. the woman is a victim of domestic violence and is being hit in the face by her partner.
- D. the woman has been using cocaine intranasally.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated levels of estrogen cause capillaries to become engorged in the respiratory tract. This may result in edema in the nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This congestion may cause nasal stuffiness and epistaxis.
Which comment made by a new mother to her own mother is most likely to encourage the grandmother's participation in the infant's care?
- A. "Could you help me with the housework today?"
- B. "The baby is spitting up a lot. What should I do?"
- C. "I know you are busy, so I'll get John's mother to help me
- D. “The baby has a stomachache. I’ll call the nurse to find out what to do.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it directly involves the grandmother in the baby's care by seeking advice and guidance. Asking for help with a specific issue shows trust and respect for the grandmother's experience. Choice A is about housework, not infant care. Choice C suggests seeking help elsewhere. Choice D involves a healthcare professional, not the grandmother.