ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
The woman who is primigravida is in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She states that she has experienced dizziness when she gets out of bed and sometimes when she stands up from a sitting position. What is the reason for this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury. When a person stands up quickly, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing a momentary drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension. It is common during pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes that affect blood pressure regulation. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic - There is no information provided in the scenario to suggest that the woman is diabetic or experiencing low blood sugar levels. C: She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon - While staying hydrated is important, simply drinking more fluids may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by rapid changes in position. D: She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the
Question 2 of 5
A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 14 weeks of gestation, the fundus should be palpable slightly above the symphysis pubis. This is because the fundus gradually rises with the progression of pregnancy. At this stage, the uterus is still within the pelvis and hasn't yet reached the level of the umbilicus or above it. Choice A is incorrect as some level of fundal height should be palpable by this time. Choice C is incorrect as the fundus is not expected to be at the level of the umbilicus until around 20 weeks. Choice D is also incorrect as the fundus would not typically be palpable slightly above the umbilicus until later in the pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby. A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system. C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester. D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been reporting nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A: Correct. Nasal congestion and epistaxis are common in pregnancy due to increased estrogen causing mucosal swelling and vasodilation. B: Incorrect. Nosebleeds are not typically indicative of cardiovascular issues in pregnancy. C: Incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest domestic violence based on the symptoms provided. D: Incorrect. Cocaine use would have more severe implications beyond just nasal congestion and epistaxis in pregnancy.