Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

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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: The correct answer is B: "It may be due to changes in hormones." During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, can trigger nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The other choices are incorrect because: A) an increase in gastric motility typically occurs in later stages of pregnancy, not the first trimester; C) an increase in glucose levels is not directly linked to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy; D) a decrease in gastric secretions is unlikely to be the primary cause of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester.

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Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:

  • A. hCG can be detected 2.5 weeks after conception.
  • B. the hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy.
  • C. much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate pregnancy.
  • D. a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Higher levels also could be a sign of multiple gestation. hCG can be detected 7 to 8 days after conception. The hCG level fluctuates during pregnancy.

During sexual intercourse, the sperm cells then enter the uterus though the and travel to the egg tubes:

  • A. Cervix
  • B. Fallopian tubes
  • C. Ovaries
  • D. Mammary glands
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sperm enters the uterus through the cervix and travels to the fallopian tubes to reach the egg.

Physiologic anemia often occurs during pregnancy as a result of:

  • A. inadequate intake of iron
  • B. dilution of hemoglobin concentration
  • C. the fetus establishing iron stores
  • D. decreased production of erythrocytes
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Physiologic anemia results from plasma volume expansion outpacing red blood cell production, diluting hemoglobin concentration.

A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level?

  • A. Not palpable above the symphysis at this time
  • B. Slightly above the symphysis pubis
  • C. At the level of the umbilicus
  • D. Slightly above the umbilicus
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In normal pregnancies, the uterus grows at a predictable rate. It may be palpated above the symphysis pubis sometime between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy.

The decrease in systemic vascular resistance aids in decreasing which physiological measure?

  • A. Cardiac output
  • B. Pulse rate
  • C. Renal blood flow
  • D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The decrease in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in blood pressure for the following reasons: 1. Vasodilation reduces resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, lowering overall pressure. 2. As resistance decreases, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. 3. Lower resistance allows blood to flow more easily, reducing pressure on the arterial walls. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Decreasing systemic vascular resistance would typically increase cardiac output, not decrease it. B: Pulse rate is primarily affected by factors like sympathetic nervous system activity and not directly by changes in vascular resistance. C: Renal blood flow is more influenced by factors like renal artery pressure and hormonal regulation, rather than changes in systemic vascular resistance.

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