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: 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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Braxton Hicks contractions can occur throughout pregnancy but may not be felt until the third trimester. This is important to inform the patient because it helps differentiate them from true labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, mild, and do not lead to cervical changes. Choice A is incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions are not a definitive sign of preterm labor. Choice B is incorrect as Braxton Hicks contractions can cause discomfort for some women. Choice C is incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as the second trimester.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Physiologic anemia during pregnancy occurs due to the dilution of hemoglobin concentration. As blood volume increases more than red blood cell production, hemoglobin becomes more diluted, leading to lower hemoglobin levels. Inadequate iron intake (A) can cause iron-deficiency anemia, not physiologic anemia. The fetus establishing iron stores (B) is not a cause of anemia in the mother. Decreased production of erythrocytes (D) is not the primary reason for physiologic anemia during pregnancy.

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. This is known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Choice A (increase in gastric motility) is incorrect because nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are more commonly attributed to hormonal changes rather than an increase in gastric motility. Choice C (increase in glucose levels) is also incorrect as there is no direct link between elevated glucose levels and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Choice D (decrease in gastric secretions) is incorrect as there is no evidence to support that a decrease in gastric secretions causes nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.