A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: is painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually painless and irregular. They do not lead to cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow to the fetus. By educating the patient that these contractions are normal and not a cause for concern, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase with walking, cause cervical dilation, or impact oxygen flow to the fetus. It is important for the patient to understand the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions to avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It may be due to changes in hormones." During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, can trigger nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The other choices are incorrect because: A) an increase in gastric motility typically occurs in later stages of pregnancy, not the first trimester; C) an increase in glucose levels is not directly linked to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy; D) a decrease in gastric secretions is unlikely to be the primary cause of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier. A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence. C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation. D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.