ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy 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: The correct answer is B: She will have increased lordosis. During pregnancy, the increased weight of the growing uterus causes the center of gravity to shift forward, leading to an increased curvature of the lower back known as lordosis. This change helps to maintain balance and support the added weight. A: Her center of gravity will shift backward - This is incorrect as the center of gravity shifts forward during pregnancy due to the growing uterus. C: She will have increased abdominal muscle tone - This is incorrect as abdominal muscles may actually stretch and weaken during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. D: She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints - This is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy can actually lead to increased mobility of pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.
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: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron. A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items. B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel. D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.
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: The correct answer is A: primipar. A primipar refers to a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability. This term specifically indicates that the woman has given birth to at least one viable fetus. Explanation: 1. Primipar specifically refers to the number of completed pregnancies, indicating one pregnancy with a viable fetus. 2. Primigravida (B) refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time and has not yet given birth. 3. Multipara (C) refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies resulting in viable offspring. 4. Nulligravida (D) refers to a woman who has never been pregnant. In summary, the correct answer, primipar, is the most accurate term to describe a woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus reaching the stage of fetal viability, distinguishing her from the other choices.
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: 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 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 because increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy leads to heightened sensitivity and can result in increased arousal, especially in the second trimester. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissues. This physiological response is a normal part of pregnancy and can enhance sexual experiences for some women. A is incorrect because changes in the cervix do not impact the evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. B is incorrect as quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not palpating the fetus. C is incorrect as Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester.