Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

After receiving information on the signs and symptoms of potential complications during pregnancy, the prenatal client knows to immediately report which of the following to her health care provider? Select all that apply.

  • A. Backache and flank pain
  • B. Burning on urination
  • C. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness
  • D. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enlargement of breasts and tenderness. This is because backache, flank pain, burning on urination, abdominal cramping, and vaginal bleeding are not typically associated with potential complications during pregnancy. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness could indicate conditions like preeclampsia or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. The other choices do not directly relate to pregnancy complications and may not be urgent concerns. It's crucial for the prenatal client to report any unusual or concerning symptoms to her healthcare provider promptly to ensure the safety of both her and the baby.

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The nurse caring for the pregnant patient must understand that the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy is:

  • A. estrogen
  • B. human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  • C. oxytocin
  • D. progesterone
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy as it relaxes smooth muscles, reducing uterine activity and preventing miscarriage.

Dysmenorrhea is otherwise known as:

  • A. Inflammation of the breast
  • B. The inability to conceive
  • C. Painful periods
  • D. The onset of puberty
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods, often caused by uterine contractions.

To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their breasts, nurses should be aware that:

  • A. the visibility of blood vessels that form an intertwining blue network indicates full function of Montgomery's tubercles and possibly infection of the tubercles.
  • B. the mammary glands do not develop until 2 weeks before labor.
  • C. lactation is inhibited until the estrogen level declines after birth.
  • D. colostrum is the yellowish oily substance used to lubricate the nipples for breastfeeding.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A:
1. Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous glands on the areola.
2. Blood vessels becoming visible indicates increased blood supply due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
3. The intertwining blue network reflects full function of Montgomery's tubercles.
4. Infection may cause inflammation and increased visibility of blood vessels.

Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Incorrect, mammary glands develop during puberty, not right before labor.
C: Incorrect, lactation is primarily influenced by prolactin, not estrogen.
D: Incorrect, colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies, not an oily substance for lubrication.

The ovaries are:

  • A. Located in the male reproductive system
  • B. A pair of small glands about the size and shape of almonds
  • C. Long tubes connecting the vagina to the cervix
  • D. Large elongated muscles found in the female bladder
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ovaries are small, almond-shaped glands responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

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.

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