ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about signs of possible pregnancy complications. Which should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Report watery vaginal discharge. This is important as it could indicate premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to infection or preterm labor. Puffiness of the face or around the eyes (B) could be a sign of preeclampsia, not just a pregnancy complication. Bloody show during labor (C) is a normal sign of labor progression. Visual disturbances like spots (D) are more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia rather than general pregnancy complications.
Question 2 of 5
The decrease in systemic vascular resistance aids in decreasing which physiological measure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The decrease in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in blood pressure for the following reasons: 1. Vasodilation reduces resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, lowering overall pressure. 2. As resistance decreases, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. 3. Lower resistance allows blood to flow more easily, reducing pressure on the arterial walls. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Decreasing systemic vascular resistance would typically increase cardiac output, not decrease it. B: Pulse rate is primarily affected by factors like sympathetic nervous system activity and not directly by changes in vascular resistance. C: Renal blood flow is more influenced by factors like renal artery pressure and hormonal regulation, rather than changes in systemic vascular resistance.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is educating a client at her first prenatal visit about hormone changes. The nurse explains that which of the following is the purpose of progesterone?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles. Progesterone is essential during pregnancy to maintain the uterine lining and prevent contractions that could lead to miscarriage. It also relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent premature labor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because progesterone's primary role is not to stimulate uterine development, relax pelvic ligaments and joints, or prepare breasts for lactation.
Question 4 of 5
After receiving information on the signs and symptoms of potential complications during pregnancy, the prenatal client knows to immediately report which of the following to her health care provider? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enlargement of breasts and tenderness. This is because backache, flank pain, burning on urination, abdominal cramping, and vaginal bleeding are not typically associated with potential complications during pregnancy. Enlargement of breasts and tenderness could indicate conditions like preeclampsia or ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. The other choices do not directly relate to pregnancy complications and may not be urgent concerns. It's crucial for the prenatal client to report any unusual or concerning symptoms to her healthcare provider promptly to ensure the safety of both her and the baby.
Question 5 of 5
Now in her second trimester of pregnancy, the client, who was a marathon runner before nausea and overwhelming tiredness kept her from exercising regularly, is wondering whether she can run now. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Your level of exercise will be somewhat modified by the changes occurring in your body." Rationale: 1. Pregnancy impacts a woman's body significantly, including changes in hormones, weight distribution, and center of gravity. 2. These changes can affect a woman's ability to engage in high-impact activities like running. 3. The nurse's response acknowledges the need for modification in exercise routine to accommodate these changes. 4. It promotes a balanced approach to exercise during pregnancy, considering both the benefits of physical activity and the safety of the mother and baby. Summary of Other Choices: A: "Certainly, if you feel up to it." - This response oversimplifies the situation and does not consider the specific physiological changes during pregnancy that may impact the woman's ability to run safely. C: "Your primary health care provider will need to give you permission." - While consulting a healthcare provider is important, this response does not address the specific concerns related to exercise during pregnancy.