Nokea
Which physiologic finding is consistent with normal pregnancy?
- A. Systemic vascular resistance increases as blood pressure decreases.
- B. Cardiac output increases during pregnancy.
- C. Blood pressure remains consistent independent of position changes
- D. Maternal vasoconstriction occurs in response to increased metabolism.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during pregnancy, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients increases, leading to an increase in cardiac output to meet these needs. This is due to the expansion of blood volume and the need to supply the growing fetus. Systemic vascular resistance decreases to accommodate the increased blood flow, so choice A is incorrect. Blood pressure typically decreases in early pregnancy but may change with position due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava, making choice C incorrect. Maternal vasodilation, not vasoconstriction, occurs in response to increased metabolism to support the increased blood flow needed for the growing fetus, making choice D incorrect.
You may also like to solve these questions
After receiving information on the signs and symptoms of potential complications during pregnancy, the prenatal client knows to immediately report which of the following to her health care provider? Select all that apply.
- A. Backache and flank pain
- B. Burning on urination
- C. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness
- D. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enlargement of breasts and tenderness. This is because backache, flank pain, burning on urination, abdominal cramping, and vaginal bleeding are not typically associated with potential complications during pregnancy. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness could indicate conditions like preeclampsia or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. The other choices do not directly relate to pregnancy complications and may not be urgent concerns. It's crucial for the prenatal client to report any unusual or concerning symptoms to her healthcare provider promptly to ensure the safety of both her and the baby.
Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Viability—22 to 37 weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) (assuming a fetal weight >500 g)
- B. Full Term—Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40
- C. Preterm—Pregnancy from 20 to 28 weeks
- D. Postdate—Pregnancy that extends beyond 38 weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Full term is defined as pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 to the end of week 40. Viability occurs at 22-24 weeks, preterm is before 37 weeks, and postdate is beyond 42 weeks.
A patient relates a story of how her boyfriend is feeling her aches and pains associated with her pregnancy. She is concerned that her boyfriend is making fun of her concerns. How would you respond to this patient statement?
- A. Tell her not to worry because it is natural for her boyfriend to make her feel better by identifying with her pregnancy.
- B. Refer the patient to a psychologist for counseling to deal with this problem because it is clearly upsetting her.
- C. Explain that her boyfriend may be experiencing couvade syndrome and that this is a normal finding seen with male partners.
- D. Ask the patient specifically to define her concerns related to her relationship with her boyfriend and suggest methods to stop this type of behavior by her significant other.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because couvade syndrome is a real phenomenon where male partners experience similar symptoms to their pregnant partners. By explaining this to the patient, it validates her concerns and normalizes her boyfriend's behavior.
Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's concerns and does not address the underlying issue. Choice B is incorrect because referring the patient to a psychologist may be premature without exploring the possibility of couvade syndrome first. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the potential root cause of the boyfriend's behavior and may not provide a satisfactory resolution for the patient.
Some pregnant patients may complain of changes in their voice and impaired hearing. The nurse can tell these patients that these are common reactions to:
- A. a decreased estrogen level
- B. displacement of the diaphragm, resulting in thoracic breathing
- C. congestion and swelling, which occur because the upper respiratory tract has become more vascular
- D. increased blood volume
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased estrogen levels cause vascular congestion and swelling in the upper respiratory tract, affecting voice and hearing.
The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can expect to experience what change?
- A. Her center of gravity will shift backward.
- B. She will have increased lordosis.
- C. She will have increased abdominal muscle tone.
- D. She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis) develops, and a compensatory curvature in the cervicodorsal region develops to help the woman maintain her balance.