ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pregnancy, the fundal height corresponds with the gestational age and is an important indicator of fetal growth and development. At 14 weeks of gestation, the fundus is typically palpable slightly above the symphysis pubis (Option B). This is because the uterus is still within the pelvic cavity at this stage and has not yet risen significantly into the abdominal cavity. Option A is incorrect because by 14 weeks, the uterus is usually palpable above the symphysis pubis. Option C, at the level of the umbilicus, would be more indicative of around 20 weeks gestation when the fundus reaches this level. Option D, slightly above the umbilicus, is more characteristic of the fundal height around 16-18 weeks. Understanding fundal height is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor fetal growth, assess gestational age, and detect any deviations that may indicate potential issues. By palpating the fundus, nurses and midwives can ensure the pregnancy is progressing as expected and provide appropriate care and support to the mother and baby.
Question 2 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, a woman's body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing fetus. One of these changes is an increase in the lumbar lordosis, which is the natural inward curve of the lower spine. This adaptation helps to shift the center of gravity forward, counterbalancing the increased weight of the abdomen and maintaining balance. Option A, her center of gravity will shift backward, is incorrect because, due to the growing uterus and fetus, the center of gravity actually shifts forward to accommodate the increased weight in the front of the body. Option C, she will have increased abdominal muscle tone, is incorrect because abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy to allow for the expansion of the uterus and to make room for the growing baby. This can lead to diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate. Option D, she will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints, is incorrect because during pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which loosens the ligaments in the pelvic area in preparation for childbirth. This increased flexibility can actually lead to increased mobility rather than decreased mobility in the pelvic joints. Understanding these musculoskeletal adaptations during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and individuals themselves to promote a healthy and active pregnancy while minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Question 3 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: The correct answer is A) this is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy caused by elevated levels of estrogen. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of estrogen, can lead to mucosal edema and increased blood flow in the nasal passages. This can result in nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis (nosebleeds), which are common in pregnancy. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize these normal physiological changes to provide appropriate reassurance and education to pregnant women. Option B is incorrect because nasal congestion and epistaxis in pregnancy are usually benign and not indicative of an ominous cardiovascular issue. Option C is incorrect as it is essential to base clinical judgments on evidence and not assumptions like domestic violence without any supporting information. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence presented to suggest drug abuse, and assuming so without proper assessment can lead to stigmatization and incorrect care. Understanding the normal anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers to distinguish between normal variations and potential complications, ensuring appropriate care and support for pregnant women.
Question 4 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 scenario, the correct answer is C) pica. Pica is a condition characterized by cravings for non-nutritive substances like dirt and gravel, which can indicate a deficiency, such as iron deficiency anemia common in pregnancy. Option A) Ptyalism refers to excessive salivation, which is a common symptom in pregnancy but not related to cravings for non-nutritive substances. Option B) Pyrosis refers to heartburn, a common gastrointestinal symptom in pregnancy but not associated with cravings for dirt and gravel. Option D) Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines, which can lead to constipation, but it is not directly related to cravings for non-food items like dirt and gravel. Understanding these terms is crucial for healthcare providers to properly assess and address the needs of pregnant patients. Recognizing pica can prompt further investigation into potential deficiencies and appropriate interventions to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Question 5 of 5
A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability is called a:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) primipara. In the context of pregnancy, a primipara refers to a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus (or fetuses) reaching the stage of fetal viability. This term specifically signifies that the woman has given birth to her first viable child or children. Option B) primigravida is incorrect because it refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time, regardless of the outcome of the pregnancy. This term does not indicate whether the pregnancy has resulted in a live birth. Option C) multipara is incorrect in this scenario as it refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies resulting in viable offspring. Since the question specifies completion of only one pregnancy reaching the stage of fetal viability, multipara does not apply. Option D) nulligravida is also incorrect as it describes a woman who has never been pregnant. This term does not align with the scenario presented in the question. Understanding these terms is essential in the field of obstetrics and gynecology to accurately describe a woman's obstetric history. Knowing the distinctions between primipara, primigravida, multipara, and nulligravida helps healthcare providers communicate effectively and provide appropriate care based on a woman's previous pregnancy experiences.