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, reflect separation within the underlying connective tissue of the skin. They usually fade after birth, although they never disappear completely.
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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.
The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can expect to experience what change?
- A. Her center of gravity will shift backward
- B. She will have increased lordosis
- C. She will have increased abdominal muscle tone
- D. She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased lordosis (curvature of the lower spine) occurs to help balance the growing uterus. Abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, and pelvic joint mobility increases.
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 hCG levels may indicate conditions such as multiple gestation, ectopic pregnancy, or Down syndrome. hCG levels fluctuate during pregnancy and peak around 8-10 weeks.
A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:
- A. is painless
- B. increases with walking
- C. causes cervical dilation
- D. impedes oxygen flow to the fetus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Braxton Hicks contractions are regular, painless, and do not cause cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow. They may cease with activity like walking.
A nurse is educating a pregnant client about ways to prevent UTIs. Which statement by the client indicates that she understands the information from the nurse?
- A. I should decrease my fluid intake.
- B. Drinking Coke will prevent me from getting a UTI.
- C. I should always empty my bladder right after I have intercourse.
- D. I should drink orange juice every morning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should always empty my bladder right after I have intercourse." This is correct because emptying the bladder after intercourse helps to flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of UTIs. Choice A is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is important to prevent UTIs. Choice B is incorrect as drinking Coke does not prevent UTIs and may even increase the risk due to its sugar content. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that drinking orange juice prevents UTIs. Overall, choice C is the best preventative measure supported by medical evidence.