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. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
- D. Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the second trimester, the pulse rate increases by 10-15 beats per minute, while blood pressure typically decreases slightly due to hormonal and circulatory changes.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which statement about a condition of pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Insufficient salivation (ptyalism) is caused by increases in estrogen.
- B. Acid indigestion (pyrosis) begins early but declines throughout pregnancy.
- C. Hyperthyroidism often develops (temporarily) because hormone production increases.
- D. Nausea and vomiting rarely have harmful effects on the fetus and may be beneficial.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Normal nausea and vomiting rarely produce harmful effects, and nausea and vomiting periods may be less likely to result in miscarriage or preterm labor.
A patient who is 7 months pregnant states, "I'm worried that something will happen to my baby." Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. "Your baby is doing fin
- B. "Tell me about your concerns."
- C. "There is nothing to worry about."
- D. "The doctor is taking good care of you and your baby."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "There is nothing to worry about." This answer acknowledges the patient's concerns while providing reassurance. By stating that there is nothing to worry about, the nurse addresses the patient's anxiety and helps alleviate her fears without dismissing them. Option A is too dismissive, B encourages the patient to share concerns but doesn't provide immediate reassurance, and D shifts the focus to the doctor instead of directly addressing the patient's worries.
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: The correct answer is D, Striae gravidarum, because it refers to stretch marks that occur during pregnancy and often persist postpartum. Epulis (A) is a benign gingival tumor that typically resolves after pregnancy. Chloasma (B) is a skin condition causing dark patches that usually fade postpartum. Telangiectasia (C) are small dilated blood vessels that commonly appear during pregnancy but may diminish after giving birth. Therefore, the key differentiator is the persistence of Striae gravidarum after delivery.
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 estrogen levels during pregnancy cause capillary engorgement in the respiratory tract, leading to nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a prenatal client. She notices that her hemoglobin is 10.5. The nurse realizes this laboratory result indicates which of the following?
- A. Low vitamin intake has resulted in a decrease in red blood cell production.
- B. Plasma volume increase is greater than red blood cell production and has resulted in a decrease in hemoglobin.
- C. This is a serious problem that might harm the fetus.
- D. A repeat blood test should be done immediately to confirm that the client has anemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a hemoglobin level of 10.5 indicates a decrease in hemoglobin concentration, which is typically caused by an increase in plasma volume during pregnancy. This dilution effect results in a lower concentration of red blood cells in the blood, leading to lower hemoglobin levels. This physiological change is normal during pregnancy and is known as physiological anemia.
Choice A is incorrect because low vitamin intake would not directly result in a decrease in red blood cell production leading to low hemoglobin levels.
Choice C is incorrect because a hemoglobin level of 10.5, although lower than normal, does not necessarily indicate a serious problem that would harm the fetus.
Choice D is incorrect because a repeat blood test is not immediately necessary to confirm anemia as the low hemoglobin level can be explained by the normal increase in plasma volume during pregnancy.