ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client in her third trimester reports increased perineal pressure. Which is the clinical cause for this complaint?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fundal height. In the third trimester, the growing uterus causes increased pressure on the pelvic organs, leading to perineal pressure. Fundal height measures the height of the uterus and correlates with gestational age, indicating the position and size of the fetus. As the uterus grows, fundal height increases, causing pressure on the perineal area. Urinary infection (B) can cause discomfort but would present with other symptoms like burning urination. Constipation (C) may cause discomfort but typically does not lead to increased perineal pressure. Hydramnios (D) refers to excess amniotic fluid, which can lead to abdominal distension but is not directly related to perineal pressure.
Question 2 of 5
The woman who is primigravida is in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She states that she has experienced dizziness when she gets out of bed and sometimes when she stands up from a sitting position. What is the reason for this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury. When a person stands up quickly, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing a momentary drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension. It is common during pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes that affect blood pressure regulation. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic - There is no information provided in the scenario to suggest that the woman is diabetic or experiencing low blood sugar levels. C: She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon - While staying hydrated is important, simply drinking more fluids may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by rapid changes in position. D: She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.