Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

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The woman who is primigravida is in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She states that she has experienced dizziness when she gets out of bed and sometimes when she stands up from a sitting position. What is the reason for this?

  • A. She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic.
  • B. She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury.
  • C. She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon.
  • D. She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the head and upper extremities is less than optimal.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury. When a person stands up quickly, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing a momentary drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension. It is common during pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes that affect blood pressure regulation.

Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic - There is no information provided in the scenario to suggest that the woman is diabetic or experiencing low blood sugar levels.
C: She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon - While staying hydrated is important, simply drinking more fluids may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by rapid changes in position.
D: She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the

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To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the uterus, nurses should be aware that:

  • A. lightening occurs near the end of the second trimester as the uterus rises into a different position
  • B. the woman's increased urinary frequency in the first trimester is the result of exaggerated uterine anteflexion caused by softening
  • C. Braxton Hicks contractions become more painful in the third trimester, particularly if the woman tries to exercise
  • D. the uterine souffle is the movement of the fetus
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Softening of the lower uterine segment (Hegar's sign) causes increased urinary frequency in the first trimester. Lightening occurs late in pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions are not typically painful, and the uterine souffle refers to blood flow sounds.

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.

The breast includes:

  • A. The nipple
  • B. The ovaries
  • C. The testes
  • D. The scrotum
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nipple is a key anatomical feature of the breast, involved in lactation and feeding.

An 'average' menstrual cycle lasts around how many days?

  • A. 36
  • B. 28
  • C. 42
  • D. 7
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The average menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, though variations are common.

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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