Nokea
To reassure and educate their pregnant patients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
- A. a blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff that is too large produces a reading that is too high.
- B. shifting the patient's position and changing from arm to arm for different measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at each visit.
- C. the systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic pressure remains constant.
- D. compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava also leads to varicose veins in the legs and vulva.
You may also like to solve these questions
A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:
- A. is painless.
- B. increases with walking.
- C. causes cervical dilation.
- D. impedes oxygen flow to the fetus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: is painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually painless and irregular. They do not lead to cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow to the fetus. By educating the patient that these contractions are normal and not a cause for concern, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase with walking, cause cervical dilation, or impact oxygen flow to the fetus. It is important for the patient to understand the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions to avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress.
A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider's office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as and may indicate anemia.
- A. ptyalism
- B. pyrosis
- C. pica
- D. decreased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pica (a desire to eat nonfood substances) is an indication of iron deficiency and should be evaluated.
Which finding in the urine analysis of a pregnant woman is considered a variation of normal?
- A. Proteinuria
- B. Glycosuria
- C. Bacteria in the urine
- D. Ketones in the urine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Small amounts of glucose (glycosuria) can occur normally during pregnancy. Proteinuria, bacteria, and ketones indicate potential complications.
The nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. The woman demonstrates understanding of the nurse's instructions if she states that a positive sign of pregnancy is:
- A. a positive pregnancy test
- B. fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife
- C. Braxton Hicks contractions
- D. quickening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are attributed to the presence of a fetus, such as hearing the fetal heartbeat or palpating fetal movement. Presumptive and probable signs are less definitive.
A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have:
- A. amenorrhea.
- B. positive pregnancy test.
- C. Chadwick's sign.
- D. Hegar's sign.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs of pregnancy are felt by the woman.