labor and delivery questions and answers Related

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Pregnant patients can usually tolerate the normal blood loss associated with childbirth because of which physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?

  • A. A higher hematocrit
  • B. Increased leukocytes
  • C. Increased blood volume
  • D. A lower fibrinogen level
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased blood volume. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40-50% to support the growing fetus and prepare for potential blood loss during childbirth. This increased blood volume helps pregnant patients tolerate the normal blood loss during delivery. A higher hematocrit (choice A) could indicate dehydration, not increased blood volume. Increased leukocytes (choice B) are related to the immune response, not blood loss tolerance. A lower fibrinogen level (choice D) could lead to increased bleeding risk, not tolerance to blood loss.