ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their breasts, nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: 1. Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous glands on the areola. 2. Blood vessels becoming visible indicates increased blood supply due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. 3. The intertwining blue network reflects full function of Montgomery's tubercles. 4. Infection may cause inflammation and increased visibility of blood vessels. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Incorrect, mammary glands develop during puberty, not right before labor. C: Incorrect, lactation is primarily influenced by prolactin, not estrogen. D: Incorrect, colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies, not an oily substance for lubrication.
Question 3 of 5
To reassure and educate their pregnant patients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, the systolic blood pressure tends to increase slightly as pregnancy progresses due to increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. On the other hand, the diastolic pressure typically remains constant or may even decrease slightly. This physiological change is important for maternity nurses to be aware of in order to differentiate normal pregnancy-related changes from potential complications like preeclampsia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: This choice discusses the effect of cuff size on blood pressure readings, which is important but not directly related to the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy. B: Shifting positions and changing arms for measurements may affect accuracy but is not specifically related to blood pressure changes during pregnancy. D: Compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus leading to hemorrhoids is unrelated to changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Increased bladder sensitivity and compression by the enlarging uterus lead to the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty. This is due to the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing fetus, causing increased frequency of urination. Step 2: This phenomenon is a common experience for pregnant women as their uterus expands and places pressure on the bladder, making them feel the urge to urinate frequently. Step 3: Maternity nurses should be aware of this physiological change to reassure pregnant patients that this urge to urinate is normal during pregnancy and not necessarily indicative of a urinary tract infection. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because increased urinary output in pregnant women does not necessarily make them less susceptible to urinary infection. Choice C is incorrect because renal function is not more efficient when a pregnant woman assumes a supine position; actually, lying on the back can reduce blood flow to the baby. Choice D is incorrect because using diuretics during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it
Question 5 of 5
A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: is painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually painless and irregular. They do not lead to cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow to the fetus. By educating the patient that these contractions are normal and not a cause for concern, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase with walking, cause cervical dilation, or impact oxygen flow to the fetus. It is important for the patient to understand the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions to avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress.