Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Full Term-Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40. This is accurate because full-term pregnancy typically ranges from 39 to 40 weeks of gestation, which is considered the optimal time for a baby to be born in terms of development and health. Viability (Choice A) refers to the ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb and typically occurs between 22 to 37 weeks. Preterm (Choice C) describes a pregnancy that occurs before 37 weeks. Postdate (Choice D) refers to a pregnancy that extends beyond 40 weeks. Therefore, Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the full-term stage of pregnancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: operculum. The mucous plug in the endocervical canal is called the operculum because it acts as a protective barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the uterus during pregnancy. This plug seals the cervix to protect the developing fetus. The other choices are incorrect because leukorrhea (choice B) refers to vaginal discharge, funic souffle (choice C) is a term related to fetal heart sounds, and ballottement (choice D) is a physical examination technique used to assess for floating objects in the uterus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the statements in choices A, B, and C are true regarding changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy. A: Pregnant women with disturbed cardiac rhythm, such as sinus arrhythmia, should be closely monitored as it can impact both the mother and the fetus, regardless of the mother's overall health status. B: Changes in heart size, position, and blood volume lead to auditory changes from 20 weeks to term, which is important for nurses to be aware of in order to monitor the cardiovascular health of pregnant patients. C: Palpitations are more likely to occur in twin gestations due to the increased demands on the cardiovascular system. In summary, all the changes mentioned in choices A, B, and C are common occurrences in pregnancy and it is crucial for maternity nurses to be aware of them in order to provide appropriate care and education to pregnant patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to congestion and swelling in the upper respiratory tract due to increased vascularity. This can result in changes in voice and impaired hearing. Estrogen levels (choice A) typically increase during pregnancy and do not directly cause these symptoms. Displacement of the diaphragm (choice B) may occur but is more related to breathing changes rather than voice and hearing issues. Increased blood volume (choice D) is a common physiological change in pregnancy but is not directly associated with voice and hearing changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hyperthyroidism can indeed develop during pregnancy due to the increase in hormone production, specifically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulating the thyroid gland. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and palpitations. Other choices are incorrect because A is false - ptyalism is actually linked to progesterone levels, not estrogen. B is incorrect because acid indigestion tends to worsen as pregnancy progresses, not decline. D is incorrect as severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can have harmful effects on both the mother and fetus if not properly managed.