Which statement about a condition of pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Insufficient salivation (ptyalism) is caused by increases in estrogen
- B. Acid indigestion (pyrosis) begins early but declines throughout pregnancy
- C. Hyperthyroidism often develops (temporarily) because hormone production increases
- D. Nausea and vomiting rarely have harmful effects on the fetus and may be beneficial
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are common and rarely harmful, potentially offering protective benefits. Ptyalism involves excessive salivation, pyrosis worsens later in pregnancy, and hyperthyroidism does not typically develop.
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What is true of family-centered care? (Select one that does not apply.)
- A. The nurse's role is to enter into a partnership with the family.
- B. The health care professionals are the primary decision makers.
- C. The family's involvement during pregnancy and birth is seen as constructive necessary for bonding and support.
- D. Families contribute their ability to accept and maintain control over the health care of family members.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Family-centered care emphasizes collaboration between healthcare providers and families, recognizing the family's crucial role in patient care and decision-making.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:
- A. hCG can be detected 2.5 weeks after conception.
- B. the hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy.
- C. much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate pregnancy.
- D. a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hCG can be detected in the blood as early as 2.5 weeks after conception. This is because hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. The other choices are incorrect. B is incorrect because hCG levels do not increase gradually and uniformly; they rise rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around 8-11 weeks before stabilizing. C is incorrect because lower than normal increases in hCG may indicate a potential issue with the pregnancy, such as a possible miscarriage, rather than a postdate pregnancy. D is incorrect because a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate conditions such as a molar pregnancy or twins, not necessarily ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.
Male infertility can be caused by:
- A. Vasectomy
- B. Low sperm count
- C. Sexual dysfunction
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Male infertility may result from various factors, including vasectomy, low sperm count, or sexual dysfunction.
A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability is called a:
- A. primipara.
- B. primigravida.
- C. multipara.
- D. nulligravida.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A primipara is a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a viable fetus.
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
- A. Less audible heart sounds (S , S ) 1 2
- B. Increased pulse rate
- C. Increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby.
A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system.
C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester.
D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.