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.
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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: Increased sensitivity and an increased interest in sex sometimes go together. This frequently occurs during the second trimester.
During pregnancy, many changes occur as a direct result of the presence of the fetus. Which of these adaptations meet this criterion? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Leukorrhea
- B. Development of the operculum
- C. Quickening
- D. Ballottement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier.
A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence.
C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation.
D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.
is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of the menopause:
- A. Dialysis
- B. Chemotherapy
- C. Laser therapy
- D. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alleviates menopausal symptoms by replenishing declining hormone levels.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:
- A. hCG can be detected 2.5 weeks after conception.
- B. the hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy.
- C. much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate pregnancy.
- D. a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Higher levels also could be a sign of multiple gestation. hCG can be detected 7 to 8 days after conception. The hCG level fluctuates during pregnancy.
A group of women are discussing childbirth experiences. Which statement would most likely indicate that the woman gave birth in the 1950s?
- A. My husband stayed with me throughout labor and birth.
- B. The suite allowed me to deliver and recover in the same room.
- C. I was discharged from the hospital 1 week following delivery.
- D. The birthing center rooms were decorated in a homelike fashion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the 1950s, hospital stays after childbirth were typically longer, often around a week, as opposed to modern practices where discharge occurs much sooner.