Physiologic anemia often occurs during pregnancy as a result of:
- A. inadequate intake of iron.
- B. dilution of hemoglobin concentration.
- C. the fetus establishing iron stores.
- D. decreased production of erythrocytes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic anemia during pregnancy occurs due to the expansion of plasma volume, causing a dilution of hemoglobin concentration. Increased blood volume is necessary to support the growing fetus, leading to a relative decrease in hemoglobin levels. Inadequate iron intake (Choice A) can cause iron-deficiency anemia but is not the primary reason for physiologic anemia in pregnancy. The fetus establishing iron stores (Choice C) is unrelated to the maternal anemia. Decreased production of erythrocytes (Choice D) is not the main cause of anemia in pregnancy; rather, it is the dilution effect from increased plasma volume.
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To reassure and educate pregnant patients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
- A. increased urinary output makes pregnant women less susceptible to urinary infection
- B. increased bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the enlarging uterus results in the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty
- C. renal (kidney) function is more efficient when the woman assumes a supine position
- D. using diuretics during pregnancy can help keep kidney function regular
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bladder sensitivity and compression by the uterus cause frequent urination. Pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, and lateral positions improve renal efficiency.
During a patient's physical examination the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is soft on palpation. The nurse would document this finding as:
- A. Hegar's sign.
- B. McDonald's sign.
- C. Chadwick's sign.
- D. Goodell's sign.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At approximately 6 weeks of gestation, softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment occurs; this is called Hegar's sign.
A 31-year-old woman believes that she may be pregnant. She took an OTC pregnancy test 1 week ago after missing her period; the test was positive. During her assessment interview, the nurse enquires about the woman's last menstrual period and asks whether she is taking any medications. The woman states that she takes medicine for epilepsy. She has been under considerable stress lately at work and has not been sleeping well. She also has a history of irregular periods. Her physical examination does not indicate that she is pregnant. She has an ultrasound scan that reveals she is not pregnant. What is the most likely cause of the false-positive pregnancy test result?
- A. She took the pregnancy test too early.
- B. She takes anticonvulsants.
- C. She has a fibroid tumor.
- D. She has been under considerable stress and has a hormone imbalance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anticonvulsants may cause false-positive pregnancy test results.
During a patient's physical examination the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is soft on palpation. The nurse would document this finding as:
- A. Hegar's sign.
- B. McDonald's sign.
- C. Chadwick's sign.
- D. Goodell's sign.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chadwick's sign. This sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina due to increased vascularity in early pregnancy. The lower uterine segment being soft on palpation is consistent with Chadwick's sign, indicating early signs of pregnancy.
A: Hegar's sign refers to softening of the lower uterine segment, not the cervix or vagina.
B: McDonald's sign is the softening of the uterus at the isthmus, not specifically at the lower uterine segment.
D: Goodell's sign pertains to softening of the cervix, not the lower uterine segment.
Which individuals played a role in decreasing infections for patients, increasing mortality to what it is today?
- A. Crede
- B. Saint Vincent de Paul
- C. Knightgale
- D. Pasteur
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Joseph Lister and Louis Pasteur were instrumental in developing antiseptic techniques and germ theory, respectively, which significantly reduced infection rates and improved patient survival.