ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman who is primigravida is complaining of leg cramps. Which statement by the nurse best describes how to provide relief from this discomfort?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dorsiflex the foot to relieve the cramping. Dorsiflexing the foot, which involves pulling the toes towards the shin, helps to stretch the calf muscle and alleviate cramping. This action targets the specific muscle group affected by leg cramps. A: Incorrect. Stretching by extending both legs and touching your toes may not directly target the calf muscle. C: Incorrect. Elevating the leg above the heart is more suitable for reducing swelling, not necessarily relieving leg cramps. D: Incorrect. Plantar flexing the foot (pointing toes away from the shin) may worsen the cramping as it contracts the calf muscle further.
Question 2 of 5
A client at 10 weeks gestation is being seen by the nurse. The client reports that she has nausea and vomiting each morning. Which is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat crackers before you get out of bed. This is the best response because eating crackers before getting out of bed can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness in early pregnancy. The crackers can help stabilize blood sugar levels and settle the stomach. Drinking a large glass of milk (choice A) may exacerbate nausea for some individuals. Eating dinner before 6:00 p.m. (choice C) is not directly related to morning sickness. Eating small meals during the day (choice D) is generally a good strategy, but specifically eating crackers before getting out of bed is more effective for morning sickness.
Question 3 of 5
The woman who is primigravida is in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She states that she has experienced dizziness when she gets out of bed and sometimes when she stands up from a sitting position. What is the reason for this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury. When a person stands up quickly, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing a momentary drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension. It is common during pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes that affect blood pressure regulation. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic - There is no information provided in the scenario to suggest that the woman is diabetic or experiencing low blood sugar levels. C: She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon - While staying hydrated is important, simply drinking more fluids may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by rapid changes in position. D: She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the
Question 4 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 5 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: At 14 weeks of gestation, the fundus should be palpable slightly above the symphysis pubis. This is because the fundus gradually rises with the progression of pregnancy. At this stage, the uterus is still within the pelvis and hasn't yet reached the level of the umbilicus or above it. Choice A is incorrect as some level of fundal height should be palpable by this time. Choice C is incorrect as the fundus is not expected to be at the level of the umbilicus until around 20 weeks. Choice D is also incorrect as the fundus would not typically be palpable slightly above the umbilicus until later in the pregnancy.