The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus. A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy. C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume. D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier. A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence. C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation. D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.