ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been reporting nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A: Correct. Nasal congestion and epistaxis are common in pregnancy due to increased estrogen causing mucosal swelling and vasodilation. B: Incorrect. Nosebleeds are not typically indicative of cardiovascular issues in pregnancy. C: Incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest domestic violence based on the symptoms provided. D: Incorrect. Cocaine use would have more severe implications beyond just nasal congestion and epistaxis in pregnancy.
Question 5 of 5
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.