ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 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: The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby. A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system. C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester. D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.
Question 2 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: Rationale: A: Correct. Nasal congestion and epistaxis are common in pregnancy due to increased estrogen causing mucosal swelling and vasodilation. B: Incorrect. Nosebleeds are not typically indicative of cardiovascular issues in pregnancy. C: Incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest domestic violence based on the symptoms provided. D: Incorrect. Cocaine use would have more severe implications beyond just nasal congestion and epistaxis in pregnancy.
Question 3 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: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron. A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items. B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel. D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.
Question 4 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: primipar. A primipar refers to a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability. This term specifically indicates that the woman has given birth to at least one viable fetus. Explanation: 1. Primipar specifically refers to the number of completed pregnancies, indicating one pregnancy with a viable fetus. 2. Primigravida (B) refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time and has not yet given birth. 3. Multipara (C) refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies resulting in viable offspring. 4. Nulligravida (D) refers to a woman who has never been pregnant. In summary, the correct answer, primipar, is the most accurate term to describe a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability, distinguishing her from the other choices.
Question 5 of 5
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hCG can be detected in the blood as early as 2.5 weeks after conception. This is because hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. The other choices are incorrect. B is incorrect because hCG levels do not increase gradually and uniformly; they rise rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around 8-11 weeks before stabilizing. C is incorrect because lower than normal increases in hCG may indicate a potential issue with the pregnancy, such as a possible miscarriage, rather than a postdate pregnancy. D is incorrect because a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate conditions such as a molar pregnancy or twins, not necessarily ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.