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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A woman who is primigravida is complaining of leg cramps. Which statement by the nurse best describes how to provide relief from this discomfort?
- A. Extend both of your legs and touch your toes to stretch your calf muscle.
- B. Dorsiflex the foot to relieve the cramping.
- C. Elevate the leg above your heart until the cramp has subsided.
- D. Plantar flex the foot to relieve the cramping.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dorsiflex the foot to relieve the cramping. Dorsiflexing the foot, which involves pulling the toes towards the shin, helps to stretch the calf muscle and alleviate cramping. This action targets the specific muscle group affected by leg cramps.
A: Incorrect. Stretching by extending both legs and touching your toes may not directly target the calf muscle.
C: Incorrect. Elevating the leg above the heart is more suitable for reducing swelling, not necessarily relieving leg cramps.
D: Incorrect. Plantar flexing the foot (pointing toes away from the shin) may worsen the cramping as it contracts the calf muscle further.
During pregnancy, oxygen and nutrients diffuse across the from the mother to the foetus:
- A. Placenta
- B. Kidneys
- C. Lungs
- D. Cervix
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The placenta facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and fetus.
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
- A. increased urinary output makes pregnant women less susceptible to urinary infection.
- B. increased bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the enlarging uterus results in the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty.
- C. renal (kidney) function is more efficient when the woman assumes a supine position.
- D. using diuretics during pregnancy can help keep kidney function regular.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Increased bladder sensitivity and compression by the enlarging uterus lead to the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty. This is due to the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing fetus, causing increased frequency of urination.
Step 2: This phenomenon is a common experience for pregnant women as their uterus expands and places pressure on the bladder, making them feel the urge to urinate frequently.
Step 3: Maternity nurses should be aware of this physiological change to reassure pregnant patients that this urge to urinate is normal during pregnancy and not necessarily indicative of a urinary tract infection.
Summary:
Choice A is incorrect because increased urinary output in pregnant women does not necessarily make them less susceptible to urinary infection. Choice C is incorrect because renal function is not more efficient when a pregnant woman assumes a supine position; actually, lying on the back can reduce blood flow to the baby. Choice D is incorrect because using diuretics during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it
The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick's sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?
- A. "Chadwick's sign signifies an increased risk of blood clots in pregnant women
- B. “That sign means the cervix has softened as the result of tissue changes that
naturally occur with pregnancy.” - C. "This means that a mucus plug has formed in the cervical canal to help protect you from uterine infection."
- D. "This sign occurs normally in pregnancy, when estrogen causes increased blood flow in the area of the cervix."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, a result of pregnancy hormones. The mucus plug forming in the cervical canal indicates protection from uterine infections, a crucial function during pregnancy. This response directly correlates Chadwick's sign with its physiological significance, showing the nurse's knowledge and ability to educate the patient effectively. Other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe Chadwick's sign or its implications in pregnancy.
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.