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: In the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman to experience an increased pulse rate. This physiological change is a result of the body adapting to the increased demands of pregnancy. Option A, less audible heart sounds (S1, S2), is incorrect because in pregnancy, the heart sounds may actually be louder due to the increased blood volume and workload on the heart. Option C, increased blood pressure, is not typically seen in the second trimester. In fact, blood pressure usually decreases slightly during this period due to systemic vasodilation. Option D, decreased red blood cell (RBC) production, is also incorrect. In pregnancy, there is an increase in RBC production to support the increased oxygen demands of the mother and fetus. Educationally, understanding the normal physiological changes that occur in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers working with pregnant women. Recognizing these changes helps in differentiating normal adaptations from potential complications, ensuring appropriate care and monitoring for both the mother and baby.
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: 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 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: 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 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) 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.
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: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D is the correct answer. A higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome. This is because in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, leading to abnormal hCG levels. Similarly, in cases of Down syndrome, there can be higher hCG levels due to genetic factors. Option A is incorrect because hCG can actually be detected around 7-10 days after conception, not 2.5 weeks. Option B is incorrect as hCG levels do not increase uniformly throughout pregnancy; they peak around 8-11 weeks and then start to decrease. Option C is also incorrect as a lower increase in hCG levels may not necessarily indicate a postdate pregnancy but could have other causes. From an educational standpoint, understanding the significance of hCG levels in pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially maternity nurses, as it helps in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions related to pregnancy. It is important to be able to interpret hCG levels accurately to provide appropriate care and support to pregnant individuals.