Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

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 backwar
  • 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: The correct answer is B: She will have increased lordosis. During pregnancy, the increased weight of the growing uterus causes the center of gravity to shift forward, leading to an increased curvature of the lower back known as lordosis. This change helps to maintain balance and support the added weight.

A: Her center of gravity will shift backward - This is incorrect as the center of gravity shifts forward during pregnancy due to the growing uterus.
C: She will have increased abdominal muscle tone - This is incorrect as abdominal muscles may actually stretch and weaken during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby.
D: She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints - This is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy can actually lead to increased mobility of pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.

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A patient in her first trimester complains of nausea and vomiting. She asks, "Why does this happen?” The nurse's best response is:

  • A. "It is due to an increase in gastric motility.”
  • B. "It may be due to changes in hormones.”
  • C. "It is related to an increase in glucose levels.”
  • D. "It is caused by a decrease in gastric secretions.”
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It may be due to changes in hormones." During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, can trigger nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The other choices are incorrect because: A) an increase in gastric motility typically occurs in later stages of pregnancy, not the first trimester; C) an increase in glucose levels is not directly linked to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy; D) a decrease in gastric secretions is unlikely to be the primary cause of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester.

The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:

  • A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
  • B. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta.
  • C. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
  • D. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of increased vascular volume is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus via the placenta.

Male infertility can be caused by:

  • A. Vasectomy
  • B. Low sperm count
  • C. Sexual dysfunction
  • D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Male infertility may result from various factors, including vasectomy, low sperm count, or sexual dysfunction.

Which finding in the urine analysis of a pregnant woman is considered a variation of normal?

  • A. Proteinuria
  • B. Glycosuria
  • C. Bacteria in the urine
  • D. Ketones in the urine
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Small amounts of glucose (glycosuria) can occur normally during pregnancy. Proteinuria, bacteria, and ketones indicate potential complications.

A client at 20 weeks gestation has just been examined during a prenatal visit. Which assessment should the nurse recognize as an abnormal finding and the need for further testing?

  • A. Fundal height of 26 cm
  • B. Pulse rate 15 bpm higher than her prepregnancy pulse
  • C. Blood pressure of 128/68
  • D. Deep tendon reflexes +2
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. At 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height should correspond closely to the number of weeks pregnant (around 20 cm). A fundal height of 26 cm indicates potential fetal growth abnormalities or incorrect dating. Further testing, such as an ultrasound, is needed to assess fetal growth and well-being.

Choice B (Pulse rate 15 bpm higher) is not typically concerning during pregnancy as pulse rate can increase due to physiological changes. Choice C (Blood pressure of 128/68) falls within the normal range for pregnancy. Choice D (Deep tendon reflexes +2) is a normal finding and not an indication for further testing.

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