Nokea
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: When blood volume expansion is more pronounced and occurs earlier than the increase in red blood cells, the woman has physiologic anemia, which is the result of dilution of hemoglobin concentration rather than inadequate hemoglobin.
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A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability is called a:
- A. primipara
- B. primigravida
- C. multipara
- D. nulligravida
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A primipara is a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a viable fetus. Primigravida refers to a woman pregnant for the first time.
A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider's office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as and may indicate anemia.
- A. ptyalism
- B. pyrosis
- C. pica
- D. decreased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pica, the craving for nonfood substances, is often associated with iron deficiency anemia and should be evaluated.
A young woman comes to the neighborhood clinic explaining that she had a negative urine pregnancy test last week but a positive test today. What is the best explanation?
- A. It is probable that the hCG levels were not high enough to be detected last week.
- B. It is likely that you may not be pregnant, so wait to see if you get your period.
- C. Don't worry, this happens sometimes. You should perform another test in a few days.
- D. Shall we set up a complete examination to see if you are really pregnant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is probable that the hCG levels were not high enough to be detected last week. This is because hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is the hormone produced during pregnancy that is detected in pregnancy tests. In early pregnancy, hCG levels can be low and may not be detectable by a urine test until they reach a certain threshold. Therefore, a negative test last week could be due to the hCG levels being below the detection threshold at that time. A positive test today indicates that the hCG levels have increased and are now detectable.
Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: It is likely that you may not be pregnant, so wait to see if you get your period. This is incorrect because a positive test indicates pregnancy, and waiting for a period may not be appropriate if the woman is indeed pregnant.
C: Don't worry, this happens sometimes. You should perform another test in a few days. This
The nurse is educating a pregnant client about common discomforts during the third trimester. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Perform pelvic-tilt exercises.
- B. Eat crackers prior to getting out of bed in the morning.
- C. Use humidifiers or saline nose drops.
- D. Wear a supportive bra.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform pelvic-tilt exercises. Pelvic-tilt exercises help alleviate back pain common in the third trimester by strengthening abdominal muscles and reducing strain on the lower back. This is appropriate for addressing discomforts during pregnancy.
B: Eating crackers before getting out of bed helps with morning sickness, not third-trimester discomforts.
C: Using humidifiers or saline nose drops is more related to nasal congestion, not common discomforts in the third trimester.
D: Wearing a supportive bra is important during pregnancy but does not directly address common discomforts in the third trimester.
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.