Nokea
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
- A. Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2)
- B. Increased pulse rate
- C. Increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation, the pulse increases about 10 to 15 beats/min, which persists to term.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
A client at 20 weeks gestation has just been examined during a prenatal visit. Which assessment should the nurse recognize as an abnormal finding and the need for further testing?
- A. Fundal height of 26 cm
- B. Pulse rate 15 bpm higher than her prepregnancy pulse
- C. Blood pressure of 128/68
- D. Deep tendon reflexes +2
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. At 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height should correspond closely to the number of weeks pregnant (around 20 cm). A fundal height of 26 cm indicates potential fetal growth abnormalities or incorrect dating. Further testing, such as an ultrasound, is needed to assess fetal growth and well-being.
Choice B (Pulse rate 15 bpm higher) is not typically concerning during pregnancy as pulse rate can increase due to physiological changes. Choice C (Blood pressure of 128/68) falls within the normal range for pregnancy. Choice D (Deep tendon reflexes +2) is a normal finding and not an indication for further testing.
During pregnancy, many changes occur as a direct result of the presence of the fetus. Which of these adaptations meet this criterion? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Leukorrhea
- B. Development of the operculum
- C. Quickening
- D. Ballottement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier.
A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence.
C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation.
D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.
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.
Numerous changes in the integumentary system occur during pregnancy. Which change persists after birth?
- A. Epulis
- B. Chloasma
- C. Telangiectasia
- D. Striae gravidarum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks, persist after pregnancy, although they may fade over time. Other changes like epulis and chloasma typically resolve postpartum.