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: An increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis) develops, and a compensatory curvature in the cervicodorsal region develops to help the woman maintain her balance.
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To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the cervix, vagina, and position of the fetus, nurses should be aware that:
- A. because of a number of changes in the cervix, abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests
are much easier to evaluate. - B. Quickening is a technique of palpating the fetus to engage it in passive movement.
- C. the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix (Chadwick's sign) usually appears in the second trimester or later as the vagina prepares to stretch during labor.
- D. increased vascularity of the vagina increases sensitivity and may lead to a high degree of arousal, especially in the second trimester.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy leads to heightened sensitivity and can result in increased arousal, especially in the second trimester. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissues. This physiological response is a normal part of pregnancy and can enhance sexual experiences for some women.
A is incorrect because changes in the cervix do not impact the evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. B is incorrect as quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not palpating the fetus. C is incorrect as Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester.
Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Viability—22 to 37 weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) (assuming a fetal weight >500 g)
- B. Full Term—Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40
- C. Preterm—Pregnancy from 20 to 28 weeks
- D. Postdate—Pregnancy that extends beyond 38 weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Full term is defined as pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 to the end of week 40. Viability occurs at 22-24 weeks, preterm is before 37 weeks, and postdate is beyond 42 weeks.
During pregnancy, oxygen and nutrients diffuse across the from the mother to the foetus:
- A. Placenta
- B. Kidneys
- C. Lungs
- D. Cervix
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The placenta facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and fetus.
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
- A. Less audible heart sounds (S , S ) 1 2
- B. Increased pulse rate
- C. Increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby.
A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system.
C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester.
D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.
The fallopian tubes are:
- A. Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organs located posterior and superior to the urinary bladder
- B. A pair of muscular tubes that extend from the left and right superior corners of the uterus to the edge of the ovaries
- C. The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb), forming a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fertilisation.