While providing education to a primiparous patient regarding the normal changes of pregnancy, what is an important information for the nurse to share regarding Braxton Hicks contractions?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Braxton Hicks contractions can occur throughout pregnancy but may not be felt until the third trimester. This is important to inform the patient because it helps differentiate them from true labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, mild, and do not lead to cervical changes. Choice A is incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions are not a definitive sign of preterm labor. Choice B is incorrect as Braxton Hicks contractions can cause discomfort for some women. Choice C is incorrect because Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as the second trimester.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It may be due to changes in hormones." During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, can trigger nausea and vomiting. This is known as morning sickness. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Choice A (increase in gastric motility) is incorrect because nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are more commonly attributed to hormonal changes rather than an increase in gastric motility. Choice C (increase in glucose levels) is also incorrect as there is no direct link between elevated glucose levels and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Choice D (decrease in gastric secretions) is incorrect as there is no evidence to support that a decrease in gastric secretions causes nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because pseudoanemia of pregnancy is a normal physiological change where the blood volume expands more rapidly than red blood cell production, leading to a relative decrease in the concentration of red blood cells. By informing the patient that due to the pregnancy, her blood volume has increased, the nurse is addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This explanation reassures the patient that the pseudoanemia is a common occurrence during pregnancy and does not indicate a true anemia requiring treatment. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the patient's concerns about pseudoanemia and delays providing a clear explanation. Choice B is incorrect because pseudoanemia does not require a high-iron diet for correction. Choice D is incorrect as prescribing iron pills is unnecessary for pseudoanemia, which is a normal variant of pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Choice C is correct because heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus. - The nurse should educate the patient that experiencing heartburn is a normal physiological response during pregnancy. - It is important for the nurse to reassure the patient that her symptoms are expected and not a cause for concern. - Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the normalcy of heartburn during pregnancy and may cause unnecessary worry or unnecessary interventions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prolonged emptying time. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to gallbladder stasis, causing bile to become concentrated and leading to the formation of gallstones. Prolonged emptying time indicates poor gallbladder motility, increasing the risk of gallstone formation. A: Decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels is not directly related to gallstone formation during pregnancy. B: Increase in albumin and total protein is a common finding in pregnancy due to hemodilution, but it is not directly linked to gallstone development. C: Hypertonicity of gallbladder tissue is not a typical physiologic finding related to gallbladder function during pregnancy and is not a known risk factor for gallstone formation.