ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Quizlet 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: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a classic presumptive sign of pregnancy and is defined as the absence of menstrual periods. At 10 weeks of gestation, a woman would likely have missed at least two menstrual periods, indicating a high likelihood of pregnancy. Option B) positive pregnancy test is a diagnostic sign, not a presumptive sign. It confirms the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in the urine or blood, indicating pregnancy but is not considered a presumptive sign. Options C) Chadwick's sign and D) Hegar's sign are both probable signs of pregnancy, not presumptive signs. Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, typically seen around 6-8 weeks of gestation. Hegar's sign is the softening of the lower uterine segment, which can be palpated around 6-12 weeks of gestation. Educationally, understanding the different types of signs of pregnancy is crucial in prenatal care. Presumptive signs are subjective and can be experienced by the woman, like amenorrhea. Probable signs are objective but still not definitive, like Chadwick's and Hegar's signs. Finally, diagnostic signs, like a positive pregnancy test, provide a definitive confirmation of pregnancy. This knowledge helps healthcare providers in assessing and caring for pregnant women effectively.
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: During pregnancy, the cardiovascular system undergoes significant changes to support the growing fetus and the mother's increased metabolic needs. In the second trimester, it is normal for a woman to experience an increased pulse rate. This is due to the body's need to circulate more blood to meet the demands of the developing baby and the mother's changing physiology. Option A, less audible heart sounds (S1, S2), is incorrect because during pregnancy, the heart is working harder and can sometimes lead to more audible heart sounds rather than less audible ones. Option C, decreased red blood cell (RBC) production, is incorrect because during pregnancy, there is actually an increase in RBC production to support the increased blood volume needed to supply oxygen to the mother and the fetus. Option D, increased blood pressure, is incorrect because blood pressure typically decreases slightly in the second trimester due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Understanding these normal physiological changes during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between normal adaptations and potential complications. Educating students on these concepts helps them provide better care to pregnant individuals and ensure positive maternal and fetal outcomes.
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: In pregnancy, the correct answer is B) She will have increased lordosis. This is because as the uterus enlarges, the woman's center of gravity shifts forward, causing an exaggerated lumbar curvature known as lordosis to maintain balance. Option A) Her center of gravity will shift backward is incorrect because, as mentioned, the center of gravity actually shifts forward due to the growing uterus. Option C) She will have increased abdominal muscle tone is incorrect as abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus. Option D) She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints is incorrect. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes increased mobility of pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth. Understanding these musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and advice to pregnant women regarding posture, exercise, and potential discomforts related to these physiological adaptations. It also helps pregnant women to be informed about the changes happening in their bodies to promote a healthy and comfortable pregnancy experience.
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: In this scenario, option A is the correct answer. Nasal congestion and epistaxis (nosebleeds) are common physiological changes during pregnancy due to elevated levels of estrogen. Estrogen causes increased blood flow to the nasal mucosa, leading to congestion and occasional nosebleeds. This is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy known as pregnancy rhinitis. Option B is incorrect because nasal congestion and epistaxis in this context are not related to cardiovascular issues or ominous signs. Option C is incorrect as it suggests domestic violence without any evidence or indication in the scenario. Option D is also incorrect as there is no information provided to suggest drug abuse. Educationally, understanding the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between normal and abnormal symptoms. This knowledge helps in providing appropriate care and reassurance to pregnant women experiencing common discomforts like nasal congestion and epistaxis. It also highlights the importance of ruling out serious conditions based on evidence and clinical reasoning.
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: In this anatomy and physiology of pregnancy scenario, the correct answer is C) pica. Pica is a condition characterized by cravings for non-nutritive substances like dirt, gravel, or ice. It can indicate anemia in pregnancy due to the body's attempt to obtain necessary nutrients that may be lacking. A) Ptyalism refers to excessive salivation, commonly known as "water brash," and is not related to cravings for non-food substances. B) Pyrosis is another term for heartburn, which is a common gastrointestinal symptom during pregnancy but is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel. D) Decreased peristalsis is a decrease in the normal movement of the intestines, leading to constipation, but it is not directly related to cravings for non-nutritive substances like dirt and gravel. Understanding pica in pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers as it can signal underlying nutritional deficiencies or other health issues that need to be addressed to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Educating pregnant individuals about healthy eating habits and the importance of proper nutrition can help prevent and manage conditions like pica during pregnancy.