ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the physiologic reason for vascular volume increasing by 40% to 60% during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provides adequate perfusion of the placenta. During pregnancy, the increased vascular volume ensures sufficient blood flow to the placenta, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. This is crucial for fetal growth and development. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is not the main reason for the significant increase in vascular volume during pregnancy. B: Eliminating metabolic wastes of the mother does not require such a substantial increase in vascular volume. D: Compensating for decreased renal plasma flow is not the primary physiologic reason for the vascular volume expansion during pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5
The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick's sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, a result of pregnancy hormones. The mucus plug forming in the cervical canal indicates protection from uterine infections, a crucial function during pregnancy. This response directly correlates Chadwick's sign with its physiological significance, showing the nurse's knowledge and ability to educate the patient effectively. Other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe Chadwick's sign or its implications in pregnancy.
Question 3 of 5
Which physiologic finding is consistent with normal pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during pregnancy, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients increases, leading to an increase in cardiac output to meet these needs. This is due to the expansion of blood volume and the need to supply the growing fetus. Systemic vascular resistance decreases to accommodate the increased blood flow, so choice A is incorrect. Blood pressure typically decreases in early pregnancy but may change with position due to the weight of the uterus on the vena cava, making choice C incorrect. Maternal vasodilation, not vasoconstriction, occurs in response to increased metabolism to support the increased blood flow needed for the growing fetus, making choice D incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
Which physiologic adaptation of pregnancy may lead to increased constipation during the pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased motility in the intestines. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, specifically increased levels of progesterone, can lead to decreased intestinal motility. This slower movement of food through the intestines can result in constipation. The other choices are incorrect because increased emptying time in the intestines (choice A) would actually help prevent constipation, abdominal distention and bloating (choice B) are symptoms of constipation rather than causes, and decreased absorption of water (choice C) would not directly lead to increased constipation.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these findings would indicate a potential complication related to renal function during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. In a healthy pregnancy, GFR increases to accommodate the increased metabolic demands. 2. An increase in serum creatinine level indicates impaired renal function, as creatinine clearance decreases during pregnancy. 3. Decrease in BUN is normal due to increased GFR. 4. Mild proteinuria can be common in pregnancy without indicating a complication. Therefore, an increase in serum creatinine level (Choice B) suggests a potential renal complication during pregnancy.