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 believed to be caused by increased levels of hormones, decreased gastric motility, and hypoglycemia.
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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: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron.
A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items.
B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel.
D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.
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.
A 31-year-old woman believes that she may be pregnant. She took an OTC pregnancy test 1 week ago after missing her period; the test was positive. During her assessment interview, the nurse enquires about the woman's last menstrual period and asks whether she is taking any medications. The woman states that she takes medicine for epilepsy. She has been under considerable stress lately at work and has not been sleeping well. She also has a history of irregular periods. Her physical examination does not indicate that she is pregnant. She has an ultrasound scan that reveals she is not pregnant. What is the most likely cause of the false-positive pregnancy test result?
- A. She took the pregnancy test too early
- B. She takes anticonvulsants
- C. She has a fibroid tumor
- D. She has been under considerable stress and has a hormone imbalance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anticonvulsant medications can cause false-positive pregnancy test results by interfering with hormone assays.
What is the physiologic reason for vascular volume increasing by 40% to 60% during pregnancy?
- A. Prevents maternal and fetal dehydration
- B. Eliminates metabolic wastes of the mother
- C. Provides adequate perfusion of the placenta
- D. Compensates for decreased renal plasma flow
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provides adequate perfusion of the placenta. During pregnancy, the increased vascular volume ensures sufficient blood flow to the placenta, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. This is crucial for fetal growth and development. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is not the main reason for the significant increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.
B: Eliminating metabolic wastes of the mother does not require such a substantial increase in vascular volume.
D: Compensating for decreased renal plasma flow is not the primary physiologic reason for the vascular volume expansion during pregnancy.
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. amenorrhea.
- B. positive pregnancy test.
- C. Chadwick's sign.
- D. Hegar's sign.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs of pregnancy are felt by the woman.