Exam 1 Flashcards
Which of the following is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Braxton Hicks contractions
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Quickening
D. Hegar’s sign
Answer: C. Quickening
Rationale: Quickening (the first fetal movements felt by the mother) is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks, a positive hCG test, and Hegar’s sign are probable signs.
A pregnant client presents with bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix during her first prenatal visit. This finding is known as:
A. Goodell’s sign
B. Chadwick’s sign
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Ballottement
Answer: B. Chadwick’s sign
Rationale: Chadwick’s sign is the bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix seen around 6–8 weeks of pregnancy.
Fundal height at 20-22 weeks’ gestation is expected to be:
A. At the pubic symphysis
B. Between the pubic symphysis and umbilicus
C. At the umbilicus
D. Above the umbilicus
Answer: C. At the umbilicus
Rationale: At 20-22 weeks, fundal height typically measures around the level of the umbilicus, approximately 20 cm.
Which hormone promotes the growth of the mammary ducts during pregnancy?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Relaxin
D. Oxytocin
Answer: B. Estrogen
Rationale: Estrogen stimulates the growth of mammary ducts, while progesterone promotes lobular and alveolar growth.
The main risk associated with urinary stasis during pregnancy is:
A. Urinary frequency
B. Pyelonephritis
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Preeclampsia
Answer: B. Pyelonephritis
Rationale: Urinary stasis increases the risk of ascending infections, which can lead to pyelonephritis in pregnant women.
Which integumentary change during pregnancy is caused by hyperpigmentation?
A. Striae gravidarum
B. Linea nigra
C. Vascular spiders
D. Palmar erythema
Answer: B. Linea nigra
Rationale: Linea nigra is the darkened line running from the symphysis pubis to the umbilicus due to increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
A pregnant client complains of numbness and pain in her hands, especially at night. This is most likely due to:
A. Relaxin hormone effects
B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
C. Lordosis
D. Preeclampsia
Answer: B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rationale: Pregnancy-related swelling can compress the median nerve in the wrist, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
The nurse explains to a pregnant client that Braxton Hicks contractions:
A. Indicate the onset of labor
B. Are painless and irregular
C. Occur after 36 weeks only
D. Require immediate medical evaluation
Answer: B. Are painless and irregular
Rationale: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, mild, and help prepare the uterus for labor.
Which laboratory test is used to confirm a pregnancy?
A. CBC
B. FSH level
C. Serum hCG
D. Progesterone level
Answer: C. Serum hCG
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected in blood or urine to confirm pregnancy.
The placenta produces which hormone to maintain pregnancy in the first trimester?
A. Oxytocin
B. hCG
C. Prolactin
D. Relaxin
Answer: B. hCG
Rationale: hCG supports the corpus luteum in producing progesterone until the placenta takes over hormone production.
Which of the following is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Chadwick’s sign
C. Amenorrhea
D. Fetal heart tones auscultated via Doppler
Answer: C. Amenorrhea
Rationale: Presumptive signs are subjective changes reported by the woman, such as amenorrhea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Positive signs include objective findings like fetal heart tones and ultrasound verification.
What is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Braxton Hicks contractions
B. Ultrasound verification of the fetus at 6 weeks
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Quickening
Answer: B. Ultrasound verification of the fetus at 6 weeks
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy confirm the presence of a fetus, such as visualization on ultrasound, fetal heart tones, and fetal movement felt by a clinician.
During a physical exam, a pregnant woman exhibits a bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa. What is this sign called?
A. Goodell’s sign
B. Chadwick’s sign
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Ballottement
Answer: B. Chadwick’s sign
Rationale: Chadwick’s sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically seen around 6-8 weeks of pregnancy.
Colostrum production begins around which week of pregnancy?
A. 8th week
B. 12th week
C. 20th week
D. 24th week
Answer: B. 12th week
Rationale: Colostrum, the antibody-rich fluid, can begin to be expressed as early as the 12th week of pregnancy.
A patient at 36 weeks gestation reports numbness and pain in her hands that worsens at night. What condition is most likely?
A. Preeclampsia
B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
C. Eclampsia
D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Answer: B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy due to fluid retention, causing compression of the median nerve.
A patient with hyperpigmentation on the face is likely experiencing:
A. Linea nigra
B. Melasma
C. Spider veins
D. Striae gravidarum
Answer: B. Melasma
Rationale: Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” is characterized by hyperpigmentation on the face.
What hormone primarily promotes the growth of the lobes and lobules of the breasts during pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Prolactin
D. Oxytocin
Answer: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone promotes the growth of lobes, lobules, and alveoli in preparation for lactation.
Which adaptation in the cardiovascular system is common during pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Increased blood volume by 30-50%
C. Decreased clotting factors
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B. Increased blood volume by 20-30%
Rationale: During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly to support the growing fetus and placenta.
A pregnant woman in her third trimester reports shortness of breath. What physiological change is most likely responsible?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Reduced lung capacity due to upward displacement of the diaphragm
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Increased oxygen demand from the fetus
Answer: B. Reduced lung capacity due to upward displacement of the diaphragm
Rationale: As the uterus expands, it displaces the diaphragm upward, reducing lung capacity and causing shortness of breath.
A pregnant woman at 16 weeks gestation reports feeling fetal movements. This is an example of which sign of pregnancy?
A. Presumptive
B. Probable
C. Positive
D. Diagnostic
Answer: A. Presumptive
Rationale: Fetal movements felt by the mother (quickening) are considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy because they are subjective and can be caused by other conditions.
Which of the following is considered a probable sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Breast tenderness
C. Positive pregnancy test
D. Quickening
Answer: C. Positive pregnancy test
Rationale: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy because it is objective and can be observed by a healthcare provider, but it is not definitive as it can be influenced by other factors.
A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman and notes a bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix. This finding is known as:
A. Goodell’s sign
B. Chadwick’s sign
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Ballottement
Answer: B. Chadwick’s sign
Rationale: Chadwick’s sign is the bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, which is a probable sign of pregnancy.
During a prenatal visit, a nurse measures the fundal height of a pregnant woman at 20 weeks gestation. Where should the fundal height be located?
A. At the level of the umbilicus
B. Just above the symphysis pubis
C. Midway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
D. At the xiphoid process
Answer: A. At the level of the umbilicus
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height is typically at the level of the umbilicus, which helps in estimating gestational age.
Which cardiovascular change is expected during pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Decreased blood volume
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased venous return
Answer: C. Increased heart rate
Rationale: During pregnancy, there is an increase in heart rate to accommodate the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus.
A pregnant woman is experiencing heartburn. Which hormone is primarily responsible for this symptom?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Oxytocin
D. Prolactin
Answer: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility and increased incidence of heartburn.
Which position is recommended for a pregnant woman to sleep in to increase placental blood flow?
A. Supine
B. Right lateral
C. Left lateral
D. Prone
Answer: C. Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position is recommended as it increases placental blood flow and reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava.
A nurse is educating a pregnant woman about the importance of iron supplementation. Which physiological change during pregnancy increases the need for iron?
A. Increased blood volume
B. Increased cardiac output
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Increased renal blood flow
Answer: A. Increased blood volume
Rationale: The increased blood volume during pregnancy leads to a higher demand for iron to support the increased production of red blood cells.
Which of the following is a common gastrointestinal change during pregnancy?
A. Increased gastric motility
B. Decreased appetite
C. Constipation
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Answer: C. Constipation
Rationale: Constipation is common during pregnancy due to the relaxing effect of progesterone on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility.
A pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation reports frequent urination. This is most likely due to:
A. Increased renal blood flow
B. Increased bladder capacity
C. Pressure from the enlarging uterus
D. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
Answer: C. Pressure from the enlarging uterus
Rationale: The enlarging uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, leading to increased frequency of urination.
Which skin change is commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”?
A. Linea nigra
B. Striae gravidarum
C. Melasma
D. Spider veins
Answer: C. Melasma
Rationale: Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” is characterized by hyperpigmentation of the skin, typically on the face.
Which hormone is responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscles, leading to decreased gastrointestinal motility during pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Relaxin
D. Human placental lactogen (hPL)
Answer: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone is responsible for relaxing smooth muscles, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility and symptoms such as constipation.
A pregnant woman is advised to avoid sleeping on her back after 28 weeks gestation. This recommendation is to prevent:
A. Supine hypotensive syndrome
B. Increased risk of preterm labor
C. Fetal hypoxia
D. Maternal hyperglycemia
Answer: A. Supine hypotensive syndrome
Rationale: Sleeping on the back can compress the inferior vena cava, leading to supine hypotensive syndrome, which can decrease blood flow to the placenta and cause fetal hypoxia.
Which of the following is a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Braxton Hicks contractions
B. Auscultation of fetal heart tones via Doppler
C. Abdominal enlargement
D. Positive pregnancy test
Answer: B. Auscultation of fetal heart tones via Doppler
Rationale: Auscultation of fetal heart tones via Doppler is a positive sign of pregnancy as it provides definitive evidence of a viable fetus.
Which nutrient is essential prior to and during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects?
A. Iron
B. Calcium
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin D
Answer: C. Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid is essential prior to and during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. The recommended amount is 400-800 mcg for most pregnant women.
A pregnant woman is advised to consume at least 27 mg of ferrous iron daily. This recommendation is to prevent:
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Iron-deficiency anemia
C. Hypertension
D. Preterm labor
Answer: B. Iron-deficiency anemia
Rationale: The recommended daily intake of 27 mg of ferrous iron is to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy due to increased iron demands.
