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: 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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A woman's obstetric history indicates that she is pregnant for the fourth time and all of her children from previous pregnancies are living. One was born at 39 weeks of gestation, twins were born at 34 weeks of gestation, and another child was born at 35 weeks of gestation. What is her gravidity and parity using the GTPAL system?
- A. 3-1-1-1-3
- B. 4-1-2-0-4
- C. 3-0-3-0-3
- D. 4-2-1-0-3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct calculation of this woman's gravidity and parity is 4-1-2-0-4. The numbers reflect the woman's gravidity and parity information.
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.
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
- A. a blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff that is too large produces a reading that is too high
- B. shifting the patient's position and changing from arm to arm for different measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at each visit
- C. the systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic pressure remains constant
- D. compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Compression of pelvic veins by the enlarging uterus contributes to varicosities, including hemorrhoids. Blood pressure trends vary, but systolic pressure generally remains stable while diastolic pressure decreases initially.
A pregnant woman complains of frequent heartburn. The patient states that she has never had these symptoms before and wonders why this is happening now. The most appropriate response by the nurse is to
- A. examine her dietary intake pattern and tell her to avoid certain foods.
- B. tell her that this is a normal finding during early pregnancy and will resolve as she gets closer to term.
- C. experience this condition.
- D. refer her to her health care provider for additional testing because this is an abnormal finding.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- Choice C is correct because heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus.
- The nurse should educate the patient that experiencing heartburn is a normal physiological response during pregnancy.
- It is important for the nurse to reassure the patient that her symptoms are expected and not a cause for concern.
- Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the normalcy of heartburn during pregnancy and may cause unnecessary worry or unnecessary interventions.
Lactation is the process of a woman producing:
- A. Sperm
- B. Urine
- C. Milk
- D. Water
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lactation is the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands to nourish an infant.