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.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Grief work. In the process of maternal role attainment, giving up certain aspects of her previous life involves experiencing grief over the losses associated with the new role. This step is essential for the woman to fully embrace her new identity as a mother. Fantasy (A) refers to imagining scenarios, role playing (C) involves acting out behaviors, and looking for a fit (D) focuses on finding a balance between personal needs and the demands of the maternal role. Grief work is the most appropriate term that specifically addresses the emotional process of letting go and adjusting to the new responsibilities of motherhood.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because reading books on newborn care demonstrates the man actively seeking knowledge and preparing for fatherhood. This choice reflects a deliberate effort to understand and engage in fathering behaviors. Spending time with siblings (B) may improve his relationship skills but does not necessarily indicate specific fathering behaviors. Coaching a little league team (C) involves mentoring and leadership but does not directly relate to fathering. Exhibiting physical symptoms of pregnancy (D) is biologically impossible and irrelevant to fathering behaviors. Ultimately, actively seeking knowledge through reading shows the man's commitment to learning how to be a father.