The nurse caring for the pregnant patient must understand that the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy is:
- A. estrogen
- B. human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- C. oxytocin
- D. progesterone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy as it relaxes smooth muscles, reducing uterine activity and preventing miscarriage.
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During a patient's physical examination, the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is soft on palpation. The nurse would document this finding as:
- A. Hegar's sign
- B. McDonald's sign
- C. Chadwick's sign
- D. Goodell's sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hegar's sign refers to the softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment, typically occurring around 6 weeks of gestation.
The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick's sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?
- A. "Chadwick's sign signifies an increased risk of blood clots in pregnant women
- B. “That sign means the cervix has softened as the result of tissue changes that
naturally occur with pregnancy.” - C. "This means that a mucus plug has formed in the cervical canal to help protect you from uterine infection."
- D. "This sign occurs normally in pregnancy, when estrogen causes increased blood flow in the area of the cervix."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, a result of pregnancy hormones. The mucus plug forming in the cervical canal indicates protection from uterine infections, a crucial function during pregnancy. This response directly correlates Chadwick's sign with its physiological significance, showing the nurse's knowledge and ability to educate the patient effectively. Other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe Chadwick's sign or its implications in pregnancy.
Which situation best describes a man trying on fathering behaviors?
- A. Reading books on newborn care
- B. Spending more time with his siblings
- C. Coaching a little league baseball team
- D. Exhibiting physical symptoms related to pregnancy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reading books on newborn care demonstrates the man actively seeking knowledge and preparing for fatherhood. This choice reflects a deliberate effort to understand and engage in fathering behaviors. Spending time with siblings (B) may improve his relationship skills but does not necessarily indicate specific fathering behaviors. Coaching a little league team (C) involves mentoring and leadership but does not directly relate to fathering. Exhibiting physical symptoms of pregnancy (D) is biologically impossible and irrelevant to fathering behaviors. Ultimately, actively seeking knowledge through reading shows the man's commitment to learning how to be a father.
A client in her third trimester reports increased perineal pressure. Which is the clinical cause for this complaint?
- A. Fundal height
- B. Urinary infection
- C. Constipation
- D. Hydramnios
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fundal height. In the third trimester, the growing uterus causes increased pressure on the pelvic organs, leading to perineal pressure. Fundal height measures the height of the uterus and correlates with gestational age, indicating the position and size of the fetus. As the uterus grows, fundal height increases, causing pressure on the perineal area. Urinary infection (B) can cause discomfort but would present with other symptoms like burning urination. Constipation (C) may cause discomfort but typically does not lead to increased perineal pressure. Hydramnios (D) refers to excess amniotic fluid, which can lead to abdominal distension but is not directly related to perineal pressure.
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 correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus.
A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume.
D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.