ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur during pregnancy. A woman can expect to experience what change?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pregnancy, the correct answer is B) She will have increased lordosis. This is because as the uterus enlarges, the woman's center of gravity shifts forward, causing an exaggerated lumbar curvature known as lordosis to maintain balance. Option A) Her center of gravity will shift backward is incorrect because, as mentioned, the center of gravity actually shifts forward due to the growing uterus. Option C) She will have increased abdominal muscle tone is incorrect as abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus. Option D) She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints is incorrect. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes increased mobility of pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth. Understanding these musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and advice to pregnant women regarding posture, exercise, and potential discomforts related to these physiological adaptations. It also helps pregnant women to be informed about the changes happening in their bodies to promote a healthy and comfortable pregnancy experience.
Question 2 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 anatomy and physiology of pregnancy scenario, the correct answer is C) pica. Pica is a condition characterized by cravings for non-nutritive substances like dirt, gravel, or ice. It can indicate anemia in pregnancy due to the body's attempt to obtain necessary nutrients that may be lacking. A) Ptyalism refers to excessive salivation, commonly known as "water brash," and is not related to cravings for non-food substances. B) Pyrosis is another term for heartburn, which is a common gastrointestinal symptom during pregnancy but is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel. D) Decreased peristalsis is a decrease in the normal movement of the intestines, leading to constipation, but it is not directly related to cravings for non-nutritive substances like dirt and gravel. Understanding pica in pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers as it can signal underlying nutritional deficiencies or other health issues that need to be addressed to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Educating pregnant individuals about healthy eating habits and the importance of proper nutrition can help prevent and manage conditions like pica during pregnancy.
Question 3 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: In the context of anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, understanding the terminology related to gravidity and parity is crucial. The correct answer to the question is A) primipara. 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 indicates a woman who has given birth to her first child. Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect: - B) Primigravida: Primigravida refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time, not a woman who has completed a pregnancy. - C) Multipara: Multipara refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies resulting in viable offspring, which does not align with the description provided in the question. - D) Nulligravida: Nulligravida is the term used for a woman who has never been pregnant, which is opposite in meaning to the described scenario of a completed pregnancy. It is essential for students to grasp these terms as they are commonly used in obstetrics to describe the status of pregnancies in women. Understanding these terms aids in effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring accurate documentation and care provision during pregnancy and childbirth.
Question 4 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 anatomy and physiology of pregnancy quiz question, the correct answer is D) a higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome. Explanation: - Elevated levels of hCG can be associated with abnormalities like ectopic pregnancy or genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Therefore, a higher than normal hCG level should prompt further investigation by healthcare providers to rule out these conditions. Why the other options are incorrect: - Option A is incorrect because hCG can be detected in the blood or urine as early as 7-11 days after conception, not 2.5 weeks. - Option B is incorrect because hCG levels do not increase uniformly throughout pregnancy; they peak around 8-11 weeks and then gradually decline. - Option C is incorrect because lower than normal increases in hCG do not necessarily indicate a postdate pregnancy; there are various reasons for such deviations in hCG levels. Educational context: Understanding the role of hCG in pregnancy is crucial for healthcare providers, especially maternity nurses, as hCG levels can provide valuable information about the health of the pregnancy. Recognizing abnormal hCG levels and their possible implications is essential for timely intervention and appropriate patient care.
Question 5 of 5
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the cervix, vagina, and position of the fetus, nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) increased vascularity of the vagina increases sensitivity and may lead to a high degree of arousal, especially in the second trimester. This answer is correct because during pregnancy, there is increased blood flow to the pelvic area, including the vagina, which can result in heightened sensitivity and arousal due to increased vascularity. Option A is incorrect because changes in the cervix during pregnancy do not make abnormal Pap tests easier to evaluate; in fact, pregnancy-related changes can sometimes complicate the interpretation of Pap tests. Option B is incorrect because quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not a technique of palpating the fetus for passive movement. Option C is incorrect because Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester or later. This sign is due to increased blood flow to the area, not just the preparation for labor. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy to provide accurate information and support to pregnant patients. By knowing about the increased vascularity of the vagina and its implications for sensitivity and arousal, nurses can reassure and educate pregnant patients about these normal changes they may experience.