ATI RN
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which finding is a positive sign of pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Breast changes. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause breast enlargement, tenderness, and darkening of the areolas. This is considered a positive sign of pregnancy because it is a direct physiological response to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Amenorrhea (choice A) is a common early sign of pregnancy but can also be due to other factors. Fetal movement (choice C) and visualization of fetus by ultrasound (choice D) are considered presumptive and probable signs of pregnancy, respectively, but not definitive positive signs like breast changes.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
Which comment made by a patient in her first trimester indicates ambivalent feelings?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient expresses conflicting emotions of wanting to become pregnant but feeling scared about being a mother, indicating ambivalence. Choice A indicates awareness of physical changes, not necessarily ambivalence. Choice B reflects physical discomfort, not emotional conflict. Choice C shows concern about weight gain, not conflicting feelings. Overall, D is the only option reflecting mixed emotions about pregnancy and motherhood.