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: The correct answer is B. Increased urinary frequency in the first trimester is due to exaggerated uterine anteflexion caused by softening. This is because the growing uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, leading to the need for more frequent urination. This is a common physiological change in early pregnancy due to the hormonal effects on the pelvic floor muscles and bladder capacity.
A: Lightening typically occurs near the end of the third trimester, not the second trimester, as the baby drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
C: Braxton Hicks contractions are typically painless and irregular in the third trimester, not more painful. Pain with exercise could indicate preterm labor.
D: Uterine souffle refers to the sound of blood flow through the uterine arteries, not movement of the fetus.
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An expectant patient in her third trimester reports that she developed a strong tie to her baby from the beginning and now is really in tune to her baby's temperament. The nurse interprets this as the development of which maternal task of pregnancy?
- A. Learning to give of herself
- B. Developing attachment with the baby
- C. Securing acceptance of the baby by others
- D. Seeking safe passage for herself and her baby
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Developing attachment with the baby. In the scenario described, the expectant patient's strong tie and attunement to the baby's temperament indicate the development of an emotional bond or attachment with the baby. This is an essential maternal task during pregnancy as it promotes maternal-infant bonding and prepares the mother for the caregiving role postpartum.
A: Learning to give of herself - While important in motherhood, this choice doesn't specifically address the emotional bond being described in the scenario.
C: Securing acceptance of the baby by others - This choice focuses on external factors rather than the maternal relationship with the baby.
D: Seeking safe passage for herself and her baby - This choice pertains more to physical safety and well-being rather than the emotional connection between the mother and the baby.
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: The softening of the lower uterine segment is called Hegar's sign. Lightening occurs in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus descends.
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: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chadwick's sign. This sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina due to increased vascularity in early pregnancy. The lower uterine segment being soft on palpation is consistent with Chadwick's sign, indicating early signs of pregnancy.
A: Hegar's sign refers to softening of the lower uterine segment, not the cervix or vagina.
B: McDonald's sign is the softening of the uterus at the isthmus, not specifically at the lower uterine segment.
D: Goodell's sign pertains to softening of the cervix, not the lower uterine segment.
Numerous changes in the integumentary system occur during pregnancy. Which change persists after birth?
- A. Epulis
- B. Chloasma
- C. Telangiectasia
- D. Striae gravidarum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks, reflect separation within the underlying connective tissue of the skin. They usually fade after birth, although they never disappear completely.
A patient who is 7 months pregnant states, "I'm worried that something will happen to my baby." Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. "Your baby is doing fin
- B. "Tell me about your concerns."
- C. "There is nothing to worry about."
- D. "The doctor is taking good care of you and your baby."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "There is nothing to worry about." This answer acknowledges the patient's concerns while providing reassurance. By stating that there is nothing to worry about, the nurse addresses the patient's anxiety and helps alleviate her fears without dismissing them. Option A is too dismissive, B encourages the patient to share concerns but doesn't provide immediate reassurance, and D shifts the focus to the doctor instead of directly addressing the patient's worries.