A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider’s office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as ________ and may indicate anemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron. A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items. B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel. D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy leads to heightened sensitivity and can result in increased arousal, especially in the second trimester. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissues. This physiological response is a normal part of pregnancy and can enhance sexual experiences for some women. A is incorrect because changes in the cervix do not impact the evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. B is incorrect as quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not palpating the fetus. C is incorrect as Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: 1. Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous glands on the areola. 2. Blood vessels becoming visible indicates increased blood supply due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. 3. The intertwining blue network reflects full function of Montgomery's tubercles. 4. Infection may cause inflammation and increased visibility of blood vessels. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Incorrect, mammary glands develop during puberty, not right before labor. C: Incorrect, lactation is primarily influenced by prolactin, not estrogen. D: Incorrect, colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies, not an oily substance for lubrication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, the systolic blood pressure tends to increase slightly as pregnancy progresses due to increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. On the other hand, the diastolic pressure typically remains constant or may even decrease slightly. This physiological change is important for maternity nurses to be aware of in order to differentiate normal pregnancy-related changes from potential complications like preeclampsia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: This choice discusses the effect of cuff size on blood pressure readings, which is important but not directly related to the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy. B: Shifting positions and changing arms for measurements may affect accuracy but is not specifically related to blood pressure changes during pregnancy. D: Compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus leading to hemorrhoids is unrelated to changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.