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.
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Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Viability—22 to 37 weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) (assuming a fetal weight >500 g)
- B. Full Term—Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40
- C. Preterm—Pregnancy from 20 to 28 weeks
- D. Postdate—Pregnancy that extends beyond 38 weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Full term is defined as pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 to the end of week 40. Viability occurs at 22-24 weeks, preterm is before 37 weeks, and postdate is beyond 42 weeks.
Which physiologic adaptation of pregnancy may lead to increased constipation during the pregnancy?
- A. Increased emptying time in the intestines
- B. Abdominal distention and bloating
- C. Decreased absorption of water
- D. Decreased motility in the intestines
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased motility in the intestines. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, specifically increased levels of progesterone, can lead to decreased intestinal motility. This slower movement of food through the intestines can result in constipation. The other choices are incorrect because increased emptying time in the intestines (choice A) would actually help prevent constipation, abdominal distention and bloating (choice B) are symptoms of constipation rather than causes, and decreased absorption of water (choice C) would not directly lead to increased constipation.
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: Rationale:
A: Correct. Nasal congestion and epistaxis are common in pregnancy due to increased estrogen causing mucosal swelling and vasodilation.
B: Incorrect. Nosebleeds are not typically indicative of cardiovascular issues in pregnancy.
C: Incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest domestic violence based on the symptoms provided.
D: Incorrect. Cocaine use would have more severe implications beyond just nasal congestion and epistaxis in pregnancy.
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
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hCG can be detected in the blood as early as 2.5 weeks after conception. This is because hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. The other choices are incorrect. B is incorrect because hCG levels do not increase gradually and uniformly; they rise rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around 8-11 weeks before stabilizing. C is incorrect because lower than normal increases in hCG may indicate a potential issue with the pregnancy, such as a possible miscarriage, rather than a postdate pregnancy. D is incorrect because a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate conditions such as a molar pregnancy or twins, not necessarily ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.
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.