ATI RN
Common Complications in Early Pregnancy Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of these statements best describes the action of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy by supporting the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, where the fertilized egg implants and the fetus develops. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the early stages of pregnancy and later by the placenta. Choice A is incorrect because progesterone does not produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the developing placenta and is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone until the placenta takes over. Choice B is incorrect because duct formation in the breast is actually stimulated by estrogen, not progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development of breast tissue and ductal growth. Choice C is incorrect because progesterone does not promote sloughing of the endometrial wall during pregnancy. In fact, progesterone helps prevent the shedding of the endometrium by maintaining its thickness and vascularity to support the growing fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is D because progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining the endometrium around the fetus during pregnancy to provide a suitable environment for fetal development.
Question 2 of 5
Which finding is considered normal and expected when the nurse is performing a physical examination on a pregnant woman?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a palpable, full thyroid is a normal finding during pregnancy. Significant diffuse enlargement of the thyroid is abnormal and indicates various conditions. Pale mucous membranes may suggest anemia, and edema in one lower leg with pain could indicate deep vein thrombosis.
Question 3 of 5
When the nurse is assessing the deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) on a woman who is 32 weeks pregnant, which of these would be considered a normal finding on a 0 to 4+ scale?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When assessing deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) in a pregnant woman, it is important to understand the normal physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges and may compress the nerves, leading to hyperreflexia in some women. Choice A: Absent DTRs would not be considered a normal finding in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. Absent DTRs could indicate a neurological issue or spinal cord injury, which would require further evaluation. Choice C: 4+ DTRs indicate hyperreflexia, which is not typically seen as a normal finding during pregnancy. Hyperreflexia could be a sign of preeclampsia or other neurological conditions that require medical attention. Choice D: Brisk reflexes and the presence of clonus are also not considered normal findings in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. Brisk reflexes could indicate hyperreflexia, while clonus (repetitive, rhythmic contractions of a muscle) could be a sign of spinal cord injury or other neurological issues. Correct Answer: B - 2+ DTRs are considered a normal finding in a pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation. This indicates a normal response to the reflex hammer without hyperreflexia or hypoactive reflexes. It is important to note any changes in DTRs and report them to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is palpating the fundus of a pregnant woman. Which statement about palpation of the fundus is true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because after 20 weeks gestation, the number of centimeters should approximate the number of weeks gestation. This helps in assessing the growth and development of the fetus within the uterus. The other choices do not accurately reflect the true nature of fundal palpation during pregnancy.
Question 5 of 5
A woman at 25 weeks gestation comes to the clinic for her prenatal visit. The nurse notices that her face and lower extremities are swollen, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. The woman states that she has had headaches and blurry vision but thought she was just tired. What should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described by the woman, including elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, headaches, and visual changes are classic signs of preeclampsia. Eclampsia is characterized by seizures, which are not mentioned in the scenario. Diabetes type 1 and preterm labor do not present with the same symptoms as described.