ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client at 10 weeks gestation is being seen by the nurse. The client reports that she has nausea and vomiting each morning. Which is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat crackers before you get out of bed. This is the best response because eating crackers before getting out of bed can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness in early pregnancy. The crackers can help stabilize blood sugar levels and settle the stomach. Drinking a large glass of milk (choice A) may exacerbate nausea for some individuals. Eating dinner before 6:00 p.m. (choice C) is not directly related to morning sickness. Eating small meals during the day (choice D) is generally a good strategy, but specifically eating crackers before getting out of bed is more effective for morning sickness.
Question 2 of 5
A woman at 10 weeks of gestation who is seen in the prenatal clinic with presumptive signs and symptoms of pregnancy likely will have:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: amenorrhea. At 10 weeks of gestation, a woman should have missed at least two menstrual periods, indicating amenorrhea. This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy as it is a common early pregnancy symptom. Positive pregnancy test (B) confirms pregnancy but is not specific to 10 weeks. Chadwick's sign (C) is a bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina, typically seen around 6-8 weeks, not specifically at 10 weeks. Hegar's sign (D) is softening of the lower uterine segment, usually felt around 6-12 weeks, not specifically at 10 weeks.
Question 3 of 5
A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 14 weeks of gestation, the fundus should be palpable slightly above the symphysis pubis. This is because the fundus gradually rises with the progression of pregnancy. At this stage, the uterus is still within the pelvis and hasn't yet reached the level of the umbilicus or above it. Choice A is incorrect as some level of fundal height should be palpable by this time. Choice C is incorrect as the fundus is not expected to be at the level of the umbilicus until around 20 weeks. Choice D is also incorrect as the fundus would not typically be palpable slightly above the umbilicus until later in the pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
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.
Question 5 of 5
The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can expect to experience what change?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She will have increased lordosis. During pregnancy, the increased weight of the growing uterus causes the center of gravity to shift forward, leading to an increased curvature of the lower back known as lordosis. This change helps to maintain balance and support the added weight. A: Her center of gravity will shift backward - This is incorrect as the center of gravity shifts forward during pregnancy due to the growing uterus. C: She will have increased abdominal muscle tone - This is incorrect as abdominal muscles may actually stretch and weaken during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. D: She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints - This is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy can actually lead to increased mobility of pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.