The mucous plug that forms in the endocervical canal is called the:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: operculum. The mucous plug in the endocervical canal is called the operculum because it acts as a protective barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the uterus during pregnancy. This plug seals the cervix to protect the developing fetus. The other choices are incorrect because leukorrhea (choice B) refers to vaginal discharge, funic souffle (choice C) is a term related to fetal heart sounds, and ballottement (choice D) is a physical examination technique used to assess for floating objects in the uterus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to congestion and swelling in the upper respiratory tract due to increased vascularity. This can result in changes in voice and impaired hearing. Estrogen levels (choice A) typically increase during pregnancy and do not directly cause these symptoms. Displacement of the diaphragm (choice B) may occur but is more related to breathing changes rather than voice and hearing issues. Increased blood volume (choice D) is a common physiological change in pregnancy but is not directly associated with voice and hearing changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hyperthyroidism can indeed develop during pregnancy due to the increase in hormone production, specifically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulating the thyroid gland. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and palpitations. Other choices are incorrect because A is false - ptyalism is actually linked to progesterone levels, not estrogen. B is incorrect because acid indigestion tends to worsen as pregnancy progresses, not decline. D is incorrect as severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can have harmful effects on both the mother and fetus if not properly managed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycosuria. In pregnant women, glycosuria is considered a variation of normal due to the hormonal changes affecting glucose metabolism. During pregnancy, the renal threshold for glucose is lowered, leading to glucose spillage in urine without significant pathology. Proteinuria (A) can indicate kidney damage. Bacteria in the urine (C) suggest a possible urinary tract infection. Ketones in the urine (D) may indicate a metabolic disorder or inadequate carbohydrate intake. Glycosuria in pregnancy is a physiological adaptation and not necessarily a cause for concern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Physiologic anemia during pregnancy occurs due to the expansion of plasma volume, causing a dilution of hemoglobin concentration. Increased blood volume is necessary to support the growing fetus, leading to a relative decrease in hemoglobin levels. Inadequate iron intake (Choice A) can cause iron-deficiency anemia but is not the primary reason for physiologic anemia in pregnancy. The fetus establishing iron stores (Choice C) is unrelated to the maternal anemia. Decreased production of erythrocytes (Choice D) is not the main cause of anemia in pregnancy; rather, it is the dilution effect from increased plasma volume.