ATI RN
Common Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman has been unable to conceive for many months and will soon begin treatment with clomiphene (Clomid). What health education should the nurse provide to this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ovulation occurs 5 to 10 days after the course of clomiphene treatment has been completed. Prior to beginning the drug regimen, the nurse instructs the woman about taking her basal temperature 5 to 10 days following administration. An incremental rise in temperature is an indication of ovulation. There is no specific contraindication against alcohol, and neurological adverse effects are not expected.
Question 2 of 5
Which of these statements best describes the action of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy by supporting the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, where the fertilized egg implants and the fetus develops. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the early stages of pregnancy and later by the placenta. Choice A is incorrect because progesterone does not produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the developing placenta and is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone until the placenta takes over. Choice B is incorrect because duct formation in the breast is actually stimulated by estrogen, not progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development of breast tissue and ductal growth. Choice C is incorrect because progesterone does not promote sloughing of the endometrial wall during pregnancy. In fact, progesterone helps prevent the shedding of the endometrium by maintaining its thickness and vascularity to support the growing fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is D because progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining the endometrium around the fetus during pregnancy to provide a suitable environment for fetal development.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse auscultates a functional systolic murmur, grade II/IV, on a woman in week 30 of her pregnancy. The remainder of her physical assessment is within normal limits. The nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is the correct answer because during pregnancy, there is a physiological increase in blood volume to support the growing fetus and meet the demands of the maternal body. This increase in blood volume can lead to the development of innocent or functional murmurs, which are common and typically benign in pregnant women. The grade II/IV systolic murmur heard by the nurse is likely due to the increased blood flow through the heart and is not indicative of any underlying pathology. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to recognize this finding as a normal physiological response to pregnancy. Option A is incorrect because referring the woman for additional consultation is unnecessary in this situation. The grade II/IV systolic murmur is likely innocent and related to the increased blood volume during pregnancy, so there is no need for further investigation or intervention. Option B is incorrect because asking the woman to run briefly in place to assess for an increase in intensity of the murmur is not necessary. Innocent murmurs in pregnancy are typically not affected by physical activity and do not change in intensity based on exercise. This action may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for the woman without providing any valuable information. Option D is incorrect because restricting the woman's activities and asking her to return for re-evaluation in 1 week is not warranted. As mentioned earlier, innocent murmurs in pregnancy are common and benign, so there is no need for restrictions or frequent follow-up visits for this finding. The nurse should educate the woman about the normal physiological changes in pregnancy and reassure her that the murmur is likely harmless.
Question 4 of 5
Which finding is considered normal and expected when the nurse is performing a physical examination on a pregnant woman?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a palpable, full thyroid is a normal finding during pregnancy. Significant diffuse enlargement of the thyroid is abnormal and indicates various conditions. Pale mucous membranes may suggest anemia, and edema in one lower leg with pain could indicate deep vein thrombosis.
Question 5 of 5
When the nurse is assessing the deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) on a woman who is 32 weeks pregnant, which of these would be considered a normal finding on a 0 to 4+ scale?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When assessing deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) in a pregnant woman, it is important to understand the normal physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges and may compress the nerves, leading to hyperreflexia in some women. Choice A: Absent DTRs would not be considered a normal finding in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. Absent DTRs could indicate a neurological issue or spinal cord injury, which would require further evaluation. Choice C: 4+ DTRs indicate hyperreflexia, which is not typically seen as a normal finding during pregnancy. Hyperreflexia could be a sign of preeclampsia or other neurological conditions that require medical attention. Choice D: Brisk reflexes and the presence of clonus are also not considered normal findings in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. Brisk reflexes could indicate hyperreflexia, while clonus (repetitive, rhythmic contractions of a muscle) could be a sign of spinal cord injury or other neurological issues. Correct Answer: B - 2+ DTRs are considered a normal finding in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. This indicates a normal response to the reflex hammer without hyperreflexia or hypoactive reflexes. It is important to note any changes in DTRs and report them to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.