ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in their breasts, nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: 1. Montgomery's tubercles are sebaceous glands on the areola. 2. Blood vessels becoming visible indicates increased blood supply due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. 3. The intertwining blue network reflects full function of Montgomery's tubercles. 4. Infection may cause inflammation and increased visibility of blood vessels. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Incorrect, mammary glands develop during puberty, not right before labor. C: Incorrect, lactation is primarily influenced by prolactin, not estrogen. D: Incorrect, colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies, not an oily substance for lubrication.
Question 2 of 5
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Increased bladder sensitivity and compression by the enlarging uterus lead to the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty. This is due to the pressure exerted on the bladder by the growing fetus, causing increased frequency of urination. Step 2: This phenomenon is a common experience for pregnant women as their uterus expands and places pressure on the bladder, making them feel the urge to urinate frequently. Step 3: Maternity nurses should be aware of this physiological change to reassure pregnant patients that this urge to urinate is normal during pregnancy and not necessarily indicative of a urinary tract infection. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because increased urinary output in pregnant women does not necessarily make them less susceptible to urinary infection. Choice C is incorrect because renal function is not more efficient when a pregnant woman assumes a supine position; actually, lying on the back can reduce blood flow to the baby. Choice D is incorrect because using diuretics during pregnancy is generally not recommended as it
Question 3 of 5
A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions. The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the patient that this type of contraction:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: is painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually painless and irregular. They do not lead to cervical dilation or impede oxygen flow to the fetus. By educating the patient that these contractions are normal and not a cause for concern, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions do not increase with walking, cause cervical dilation, or impact oxygen flow to the fetus. It is important for the patient to understand the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions to avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Question 4 of 5
The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus. A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy. C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume. D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.
Question 5 of 5
A patient in her first trimester complains of nausea and vomiting. She asks, "Why does this happen?” The nurse's best response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It may be due to changes in hormones." During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, can trigger nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The other choices are incorrect because: A) an increase in gastric motility typically occurs in later stages of pregnancy, not the first trimester; C) an increase in glucose levels is not directly linked to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy; D) a decrease in gastric secretions is unlikely to be the primary cause of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester.