Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

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.