ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
An expectant couple asks the nurse about intercourse during pregnancy and whether it is safe for the baby. What information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: As per the provided choices, none of them accurately address the safety of intercourse during pregnancy. The correct information that the nurse should provide is that intercourse is generally safe during a normal, healthy pregnancy unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. It is important to communicate that unless there are specific medical conditions or complications, intercourse is typically safe throughout pregnancy. Therefore, the correct answer is that the nurse should inform the expectant couple that intercourse is safe during pregnancy unless advised otherwise.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about signs of possible pregnancy complications. Which should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Report watery vaginal discharge. This is important as it could indicate premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to infection or preterm labor. Puffiness of the face or around the eyes (B) could be a sign of preeclampsia, not just a pregnancy complication. Bloody show during labor (C) is a normal sign of labor progression. Visual disturbances like spots (D) are more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia rather than general pregnancy complications.
Question 3 of 5
A client is complaining of heartburn. The nurse understands this is caused by which change of pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The relaxation of the lower esophageal ('cardiac') sphincter. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux. The other choices are incorrect because heartburn in pregnancy is not caused by an increase in water reabsorption by the colon (A), a decrease in the capacity of the stomach (C), or an increase in stomach acid production (D). The key factor in pregnancy-related heartburn is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid reflux into the esophagus.
Question 4 of 5
The decrease in systemic vascular resistance aids in decreasing which physiological measure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The decrease in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in blood pressure for the following reasons: 1. Vasodilation reduces resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, lowering overall pressure. 2. As resistance decreases, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. 3. Lower resistance allows blood to flow more easily, reducing pressure on the arterial walls. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Decreasing systemic vascular resistance would typically increase cardiac output, not decrease it. B: Pulse rate is primarily affected by factors like sympathetic nervous system activity and not directly by changes in vascular resistance. C: Renal blood flow is more influenced by factors like renal artery pressure and hormonal regulation, rather than changes in systemic vascular resistance.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is educating a client at her first prenatal visit about hormone changes. The nurse explains that which of the following is the purpose of progesterone?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles. Progesterone is essential during pregnancy to maintain the uterine lining and prevent contractions that could lead to miscarriage. It also relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent premature labor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because progesterone's primary role is not to stimulate uterine development, relax pelvic ligaments and joints, or prepare breasts for lactation.