To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their cardiovascular system, maternity nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the statements in choices A, B, and C are true regarding changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy.
A: Pregnant women with disturbed cardiac rhythm, such as sinus arrhythmia, should be closely monitored as it can impact both the mother and the fetus, regardless of the mother's overall health status.
B: Changes in heart size, position, and blood volume lead to auditory changes from 20 weeks to term, which is important for nurses to be aware of in order to monitor the cardiovascular health of pregnant patients.
C: Palpitations are more likely to occur in twin gestations due to the increased demands on the cardiovascular system.
In summary, all the changes mentioned in choices A, B, and C are common occurrences in pregnancy and it is crucial for maternity nurses to be aware of them in order to provide appropriate care and education to pregnant patients.