Nokea
What is the physiologic reason for vascular volume increasing by 40% to 60% during pregnancy?
- A. Prevents maternal and fetal dehydration
- B. Eliminates metabolic wastes of the mother
- C. Provides adequate perfusion of the placenta
- D. Compensates for decreased renal plasma flow
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provides adequate perfusion of the placenta. During pregnancy, the increased vascular volume ensures sufficient blood flow to the placenta, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. This is crucial for fetal growth and development. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is not the main reason for the significant increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.
B: Eliminating metabolic wastes of the mother does not require such a substantial increase in vascular volume.
D: Compensating for decreased renal plasma flow is not the primary physiologic reason for the vascular volume expansion during pregnancy.
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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.
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.
Which physiologic adaptation of pregnancy may lead to increased constipation during the pregnancy?
- A. Increased emptying time in the intestines
- B. Abdominal distention and bloating
- C. Decreased absorption of water
- D. Decreased motility in the intestines
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased motility in the intestines. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, specifically increased levels of progesterone, can lead to decreased intestinal motility. This slower movement of food through the intestines can result in constipation. The other choices are incorrect because increased emptying time in the intestines (choice A) would actually help prevent constipation, abdominal distention and bloating (choice B) are symptoms of constipation rather than causes, and decreased absorption of water (choice C) would not directly lead to increased constipation.
Appendicitis may be difficult to diagnose in pregnancy because the appendix is:
- A. displaced upward and laterally, high and to the right
- B. displaced upward and laterally, high and to the left
- C. deep at McBurney point
- D. displaced downward and laterally, low and to the right
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During pregnancy, the appendix is displaced upward and laterally due to the enlarging uterus, making diagnosis more challenging.
The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:
- A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
- B. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta
- C. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
- D. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus.
A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume.
D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.