ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
To reassure and educate their pregnant patients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, the systolic blood pressure tends to increase slightly as pregnancy progresses due to increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. On the other hand, the diastolic pressure typically remains constant or may even decrease slightly. This physiological change is important for maternity nurses to be aware of in order to differentiate normal pregnancy-related changes from potential complications like preeclampsia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: This choice discusses the effect of cuff size on blood pressure readings, which is important but not directly related to the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy. B: Shifting positions and changing arms for measurements may affect accuracy but is not specifically related to blood pressure changes during pregnancy. D: Compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus leading to hemorrhoids is unrelated to changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
During pregnancy, many changes occur as a direct result of the presence of the fetus. Which of these adaptations meet this criterion? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Development of the operculum. This adaptation refers to the formation of a mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy, which helps protect the fetus from infections. It is a direct result of the presence of the fetus as it serves as a physical barrier. A: Leukorrhea is the increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is not a direct result of the fetus presence. C: Quickening is the first fetal movements felt by the mother, but it is a fetal activity, not a direct adaptation. D: Ballottement is a palpation technique used to assess the fetus position, not an adaptation directly caused by the fetus.