Final Chapter 3: A&P of the Reproductive System Flashcards
A 28-year-old woman presents to the clinic for a routine gynecological exam. She is concerned about her fertility and asks the nurse how many eggs she has left. The nurse explains that women are born with a set number of oocytes, which decline over time. Based on the patient’s age, approximately how many follicles does she likely have remaining?
A. 1 million
B. 400,000
C. Between 100,000 and 200,000
D. Fewer than 100,000
C. Between 100,000 and 200,000
Rationale: The text states that by puberty, a woman has 200,000 to 400,000 follicles. Since ovulation occurs monthly over the reproductive lifespan, the number declines over time. By age 35, the follicular count drops below 100,000, meaning a 28-year-old likely has between 100,000 and 200,000 remaining.
During which phase of the ovarian cycle does the maturation of the graafian follicle occur?
A. Follicular phase
B. Ovulation phase
C. Luteal phase
D. Menstrual phase
A. Follicular phase
Rationale: The text states that the ovarian cycle begins when follicular cells swell and the maturation process starts. This occurs during the follicular phase, which prepares the graafian follicle for ovulation.
Which of the following statements about female oocytes are correct? (SATA)
A. Women are born with a single lifetime supply of oocytes.
B. By menopause, the follicular supply is nearly depleted.
C. A woman ovulates approximately 1,000 oocytes throughout her reproductive lifespan.
D. By puberty, only about 200,000 to 400,000 follicles remain.
E. More than one follicle matures to reach ovulation each month.
A. Women are born with a single lifetime supply of oocytes.
B. By menopause, the follicular supply is nearly depleted.
D. By puberty, only about 200,000 to 400,000 follicles remain.
Rationale:
* A: The text states that women are born with a single lifetime supply of oocytes.
* B: By menopause, the follicular supply is nearly depleted.
* D: By puberty, only about 200,000 to 400,000 follicles remain.
A nurse is teaching a group of women about the ovarian cycle. Which statement by one of the participants indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I produce new eggs every month, just like men produce sperm daily.”
B. “By the time I reach puberty, I will have more follicles than I was born with.”
C. “My ovarian cycle begins with the swelling of follicular cells and the maturation of a follicle.”
D. “I ovulate multiple eggs each month during my reproductive years.”
C. “My ovarian cycle begins with the swelling of follicular cells and the maturation of a follicle.”
Rationale: The text states that the ovarian cycle begins when follicular cells swell and the maturation process starts, leading to the development of a graafian follicle.
A 37-year-old woman is undergoing fertility counseling. She is surprised to learn that her number of available follicles has significantly declined. Based on her age, how many follicles does she likely have remaining?
A. 400,000
B. Between 200,000 and 300,000
C. Fewer than 100,000
D. Nearly depleted
C. Fewer than 100,000
Rationale: The text states that by age 35, a woman has fewer than 100,000 follicles. Since the patient is 37, her follicular count is expected to be below this threshold.
Which of the following best describes the typical pattern of ovulation in a healthy woman?
A. One oocyte is ovulated per month for approximately 40 years.
B. Multiple oocytes are ovulated each month to maximize fertility.
C. A woman ovulates 1 million oocytes throughout her reproductive years.
D. Ovulation occurs randomly, with no predictable pattern.
A. One oocyte is ovulated per month for approximately 40 years.
Rationale: The text states that a woman ovulates one oocyte per month over an approximately 40-year reproductive lifespan, resulting in the loss of 400–500 follicles
A 30-year-old woman presents to the clinic with concerns about her irregular menstrual cycles. The nurse explains that variations in cycle length are most often due to which phase of the ovarian cycle?
A. Luteal phase
B. Ovulation phase
C. Menstrual phase
D. Follicular phase
D. Follicular phase
Rationale: The text states that the follicular phase is not consistent in duration due to variations in follicular development. These variations account for differences in menstrual cycle length.
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the ovary to produce multiple immature follicles during the follicular phase?
A. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
B. Progesterone
C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Rationale: The text states that FSH is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovary to produce 5 to 20 immature follicles during the follicular phase.
A nurse is teaching a patient about the function of estrogen during the follicular phase. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of this hormone’s role?
A. “Estrogen thickens my uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy.”
B. “Estrogen causes my ovaries to release a mature egg.”
C. “Estrogen is responsible for the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).”
D. “Estrogen inhibits follicular development during this phase.”
A. “Estrogen thickens my uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy.”
Rationale: The text states that increasing estrogen levels during the follicular phase induce proliferation of the endometrium and myometrium, thickening the uterine lining to support implantation if pregnancy occurs.
Which of the following statements accurately describe events during the follicular phase? (SATA)
A. It begins on day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
B. It is consistent in duration for all women.
C. The hypothalamus initiates this phase.
D. The anterior pituitary releases LH to stimulate follicular growth.
E. The dominant follicle eventually ruptures, releasing a mature oocyte.
A. It begins on day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
C. The hypothalamus initiates this phase.
E. The dominant follicle eventually ruptures, releasing a mature oocyte.
Rationale:
* A: The text states that the follicular phase begins on day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
* C: The hypothalamus initiates this phase.
* E: The dominant follicle eventually ruptures and expels a mature oocyte.
Which gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate follicular development during the follicular phase?
A. Hypothalamus
B. Pituitary gland
C. Ovaries
D. Adrenal gland
B. Pituitary gland
Rationale: The text states that the pituitary gland releases FSH, which stimulates the ovary to produce multiple immature follicles.
A woman is undergoing fertility treatment and receives medication that mimics the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). What is the intended purpose of this treatment?
A. To stimulate the growth of multiple immature follicles
B. To thicken the uterine lining for implantation
C. To trigger ovulation by rupturing the mature follicle
D. To maintain progesterone levels after ovulation
C. To trigger ovulation by rupturing the mature follicle
Rationale: The text states that a surge in LH is responsible for the final development and rupture of the mature follicle, leading to ovulation.
Which event occurs first in the follicular phase?
A. A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH)
B. The rupture of the mature follicle
C. The release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. Thickening of the endometrium
C. The release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Rationale: The text states that the follicular phase is initiated by the hypothalamus, which prompts the pituitary gland to release FSH. This stimulates follicular development before any other events occur.
A nurse is teaching a patient about ovulation. Which statement accurately describes the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in this process?
A. “LH stimulates follicle growth at the start of the cycle.”
B. “LH thickens the uterine lining to support pregnancy.”
C. “LH is released by the hypothalamus to regulate menstruation.”
D. “LH triggers the final development and rupture of the mature follicle.”
D. “LH triggers the final development and rupture of the mature follicle.”
Rationale: The text states that a surge in LH from the anterior pituitary gland is responsible for affecting the final development and subsequent rupture of the mature follicle, leading to ovulation.
A 28-year-old woman is trying to conceive and is tracking her ovulation. She asks the nurse about the hormonal changes that trigger ovulation. What is the best response by the nurse?
A. “Ovulation occurs due to a peak in estrogen levels, which directly causes follicular rupture.”
B. “A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers both final oocyte maturation and follicular rupture.”
C. “Progesterone levels surge before ovulation, stimulating the release of a mature oocyte.”
D. “Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) directly triggers ovulation and releases the egg.”
B. “A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers both final oocyte maturation and follicular rupture.”
Rationale: The text states that the LH surge from the pituitary gland is the trigger that sets in motion the final stages of oocyte maturation and follicular rupture, leading to ovulation.
A nurse is explaining the ovulation process to a patient. Which event occurs immediately before ovulation?
A. A significant drop in progesterone levels
B. A peak in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
C. The onset of menstrual bleeding
D. Thickening of cervical mucus
B. A peak in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
Rationale: The text states that ovulation takes place approximately 10 to 12 hours after the LH peak. The LH surge is the primary trigger for follicular rupture and oocyte release.
A nurse is counseling a woman with irregular cycles who wants to conceive. The woman asks how she can predict ovulation. The nurse explains that ovulation is most consistently timed by which factor?
A. Occurring exactly on day 14 of the menstrual cycle
B. Happening 24 to 36 hours after peak estrogen levels
C. Occurring exactly 14 days before menstruation, regardless of cycle length
D. Taking place at a fixed time, regardless of hormonal fluctuations
C. Occurring exactly 14 days before menstruation, regardless of cycle length
Rationale: The text states that ovulation consistently occurs at least 14 days before menstruation, regardless of whether a woman’s cycle is 28 days or 120 days.
Which physiological changes occur in the body during ovulation? (SATA)
A. A drop in estrogen levels
B. A surge in LH from the pituitary gland
C. Thick, opaque cervical mucus
D. Activation of the distal ends of the fallopian tubes
E. A decrease in vaginal lubrication
A. A drop in estrogen levels
B. A surge in LH from the pituitary gland
D. Activation of the distal ends of the fallopian tubes
Rationale:
* A: The text states that estrogen levels drop at the time of ovulation.
* B: The LH surge is the primary trigger for ovulation.
* D: The text states that the distal ends of the fallopian tubes become active, creating currents to help carry the ovum.
A nurse is teaching a couple about optimizing conception. The woman asks how long the ovum remains viable for fertilization after ovulation. What is the best response?
A. “The ovum remains viable for approximately 24 hours after ovulation.”
B. “The ovum remains viable for up to 12 hours after ovulation.”
C. “The ovum can survive for up to 48 hours after ovulation.”
D. “The ovum remains viable indefinitely until fertilization occurs.”
A. “The ovum remains viable for approximately 24 hours after ovulation.”
Rationale: The text states that the lifespan of the ovum is about 24 hours, and if it does not meet sperm within that time, it will die.
A nurse is assessing a woman who is tracking ovulation symptoms. Which finding would be most indicative that ovulation has occurred?
A. A significant drop in basal body temperature
B. A sensation of vaginal dryness
C. An increase in vaginal discharge with a stretchy, slippery consistency
D. A lack of lower abdominal cramping
C. An increase in vaginal discharge with a stretchy, slippery consistency
Rationale: The text states that during ovulation, the cervix produces thin, clear, stretchy, and slippery mucus to help sperm travel to the ovum.
A patient using basal body temperature tracking for conception asks the nurse what temperature change she should expect during ovulation. What is the best response?
A. “Your basal body temperature will drop significantly when ovulation occurs.”
B. “You will see a slight rise in your basal body temperature after ovulation.”
C. “Your basal body temperature remains unchanged throughout the cycle.”
D. “Your basal body temperature fluctuates unpredictably before and after ovulation.”
B. “You will see a slight rise in your basal body temperature after ovulation.”
Rationale: The text states that ovulation symptoms include a slight rise in basal body temperature.
A woman reports mid-cycle lower abdominal cramping, increased libido, and clear cervical mucus. What is the most likely explanation for these symptoms?
A. She is experiencing implantation.
B. She is entering the luteal phase.
C. She is currently ovulating.
D. She is in the follicular phase.
C. She is currently ovulating.
Rationale: The text states that ovulation symptoms include lower abdominal cramping, increased libido, and an increase in clear, stretchy cervical mucus.
A nurse is educating a patient about fertility tracking. The patient asks how long after estrogen peaks ovulation will occur. The nurse responds that ovulation typically occurs how long after the estrogen peak?
A. 6 to 8 hours
B. 12 to 18 hours
C. 24 to 36 hours
D. 48 to 72 hours
C. 24 to 36 hours
Rationale: The text states that ovulation occurs approximately 24 to 36 hours after estrogen levels peak.
A nurse is teaching a patient about basal body temperature (BBT) tracking. The patient asks how her temperature changes during the luteal phase. What is the best response by the nurse?
A. “Your temperature will remain low and stable throughout the luteal phase.”
B. “Your temperature will slightly increase by 0.5° to 1°F and stay elevated until a few days before menstruation.”
C. “Your temperature will fluctuate unpredictably throughout the luteal phase.”
D. “Your temperature will drop significantly immediately after ovulation and stay low until menstruation.”
B. “Your temperature will slightly increase by 0.5° to 1°F and stay elevated until a few days before menstruation.”
Rationale: The text states that progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum causes a temperature rise of 0.5° to 1°F, which remains elevated until three days before the onset of menstruation.
A patient undergoing fertility treatment is concerned about low progesterone levels. The nurse explains that progesterone plays a crucial role in which aspect of the luteal phase?
A. Stimulating follicular development for the next cycle
B. Suppressing the corpus luteum to prevent excessive hormone production
C. Preparing the endometrium for implantation by increasing secretory activity
D. Triggering ovulation and the release of a mature egg
C. Preparing the endometrium for implantation by increasing secretory activity
Rationale: The text states that progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum induces the endometrial glands to secrete glycogen, mucus, and other substances to prepare for implantation.
Which hormonal change occurs during the luteal phase in the absence of fertilization?
A. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, leading to endometrial involution
B. FSH and LH levels surge, maintaining the corpus luteum
C. Progesterone levels continue to rise, sustaining the endometrial lining
D. Estrogen levels spike, causing another ovulation event
A. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, leading to endometrial involution
Rationale: The text states that without fertilization, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, which causes the endometrium to undergo involution.
Which physiological changes occur during the luteal phase? (SATA)
A. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone
B. Basal body temperature remains elevated
C. The endometrial glands secrete glycogen and mucus
D. FSH and LH levels are at their peak
E. The follicle matures and prepares for ovulation
A. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone
B. Basal body temperature remains elevated
C. The endometrial glands secrete glycogen and mucus
Rationale:
* A: The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and secretes progesterone.
* B: The text states that progesterone causes a temperature rise that remains elevated.
* C: Progesterone induces the secretion of glycogen, mucus, and other substances from the endometrial glands.
A woman trying to conceive is tracking her hormonal changes. She asks why her FSH and LH levels are lower during the luteal phase. What is the best explanation?
A. “FSH and LH levels decrease because they are no longer needed once ovulation has occurred.”
B. “FSH and LH levels remain low due to progesterone and estrogen feedback inhibition.”
C. “FSH and LH are actively suppressed by the corpus luteum to maintain pregnancy.”
D. “FSH and LH levels drop to prevent a second ovulation event in the same cycle.”
B. “FSH and LH levels remain low due to progesterone and estrogen feedback inhibition.”
Rationale: The text states that FSH and LH are at their lowest levels during the luteal phase, suppressed by the negative feedback from progesterone and estrogen.
Which event marks the end of the luteal phase in a non-pregnant woman?
A. A second LH surge
B. A significant rise in progesterone levels
C. The onset of menstrual bleeding
D. The formation of the corpus luteum
C. The onset of menstrual bleeding
Rationale: The luteal phase lasts from ovulation until menstruation. When the corpus luteum degenerates and hormone levels drop, menstruation begins, marking the end of the luteal phase.
A nurse is reviewing a patient’s basal body temperature chart and notices a temperature rise of 0.7°F, which has remained elevated for 10 days. What does this indicate?
A. The patient is likely in the follicular phase
B. The patient has not yet ovulated
C. The patient is in the luteal phase
D. The patient is likely experiencing an anovulatory cycle
C. The patient is in the luteal phase
Rationale: The text states that after ovulation, progesterone causes a slight rise in temperature, which remains elevated during the luteal phase.
A woman who has been tracking her menstrual cycle reports that her temperature remained elevated beyond 14 days post-ovulation, and she has not experienced menstruation. What is the most likely explanation?
A. She has entered the follicular phase again
B. She is experiencing a hormonal imbalance preventing menstruation
C. She has likely conceived, and progesterone is maintaining her elevated temperature
D. She has an ovarian cyst that is producing excess progesterone
C. She has likely conceived, and progesterone is maintaining her elevated temperature
Rationale: If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone, keeping the temperature elevated to support pregnancy.
A patient undergoing fertility treatment is prescribed progesterone supplements during the luteal phase. The nurse explains that this treatment is primarily intended to:
A. Trigger ovulation and follicular rupture
B. Support the endometrium for possible implantation
C. Prevent an increase in basal body temperature
D. Stimulate the release of FSH and LH
B. Support the endometrium for possible implantation
Rationale: The text states that progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, prepares the endometrium for implantation by increasing secretory activity.
Which hormonal and physiological changes occur at the end of the luteal phase if fertilization does not occur? (SATA)
A. The corpus luteum degenerates
B. Progesterone and estrogen levels decrease
C. The endometrial lining undergoes involution
D. FSH and LH surge to prepare for ovulation
E. The basal body temperature remains elevated indefinitely
A. The corpus luteum degenerates
B. Progesterone and estrogen levels decrease
C. The endometrial lining undergoes involution
Rationale:
* A: In the absence of fertilization, the corpus luteum degenerates.
* B: As the corpus luteum regresses, progesterone and estrogen levels drop.
* C: The endometrium undergoes involution due to the decrease in hormonal support.
A nurse is educating a group of adolescent girls about menarche. Which factor is the most significant in determining the age of menarche?
A. Nutrition
B. Geographic location
C. Social and cultural practices
D. Genetics
D. Genetics
Rationale: The text states that genetics is the most important factor influencing the age at which menarche begins, though other factors like nutrition, location, and cultural practices also play a role.
Which factors can influence the timing of menarche? (SATA)
A. General health
B. Educational level
C. Family environment
D. Height
E. Nutrition
A. General health
B. Educational level
C. Family environment
E. Nutrition
Rationale: The text states that factors such as general health, education, family environment, and nutrition can influence the timing of menarche. Height is not explicitly mentioned as a determining factor.
A 15-year-old girl has irregular menstrual cycles two years after menarche. Which condition should the nurse consider as a potential cause?
A. Normal menstrual cycle establishment
B. Type 2 diabetes
C. Ovulatory cycle regulation
D. Increased estrogen production
B. Type 2 diabetes
Rationale: The text mentions that irregular menses beyond two years after menarche may be linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
A 13-year-old girl has just experienced menarche. She asks the nurse if her periods will always be regular. What is the best response by the nurse?
A. “Your cycles may remain irregular for up to two years as your body adjusts.”
B. “Yes, your periods should always be regular from now on.”
C. “You will only have irregular cycles if you have a health condition.”
D. “It is not normal for menstrual cycles to be irregular after menarche.”
A. “Your cycles may remain irregular for up to two years as your body adjusts.”
Rationale: The text states that menstrual cycles may remain irregular for up to two years following menarche before a regular pattern is established.
Which conditions are associated with irregular menstruation? (SATA)
A. Polycystic ovary syndrome
B. Type 2 diabetes
C. Stress
D. Thyroid disorders
E. Early menopause
A. Polycystic ovary syndrome
B. Type 2 diabetes
C. Stress
D. Thyroid disorders
Rationale: The text states that irregular menses can be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, stress, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Early menopause is not mentioned as a direct cause of irregular menses.
Which statement best describes the cultural perspectives on menstruation?
A. Menstruation is universally viewed as a sacred event.
B. Cultural beliefs about menstruation have no impact on symptom management.
C. Menstrual attitudes vary across cultures, influencing symptom expression and treatment-seeking behavior.
D. All societies view menstruation as a negative and unclean time.
C. Menstrual attitudes vary across cultures, influencing symptom expression and treatment-seeking behavior.
Rationale: The text states that different cultures have varying attitudes toward menstruation, affecting symptom expression and healthcare-seeking behaviors.
A mother asks the nurse how she can help her daughter develop a positive attitude toward menstruation. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Encourage discussions with her peers rather than family.
B. Teach her that menstruation is a private matter not to be discussed.
C. Avoid discussing menstruation until she experiences her first period.
D. Provide accurate information and support open conversations.
D. Provide accurate information and support open conversations.
Rationale: The text states that nurses and family members can shape positive menstrual attitudes through education and discussions.
Which statement about menarche is correct?
A. The average age of menarche in the U.S. is 10 years old.
B. Menarche typically occurs about 4 years after the first signs of puberty.
C. The age of menarche is primarily influenced by genetics.
D. Menarche always results in immediate cycle regularity.
C. The age of menarche is primarily influenced by genetics.
Rationale: The text states that genetics is the most important factor in determining when menarche occurs.
A nurse is discussing menstrual health with a group of teenagers. Which statement is correct?
A. “Menstrual cycles should be the same length each month starting with menarche.”
B. “Most women will experience approximately 100 menstrual cycles in their lifetime.”
C. “Irregular menstruation can be linked to conditions such as thyroid disorders and stress.”
D. “The sequence of puberty is unpredictable and varies widely among all females.”
C. “Irregular menstruation can be linked to conditions such as thyroid disorders and stress.”
Rationale: The text states that irregular menstruation can be associated with stress, thyroid disorders, and other conditions.
A nurse is discussing the role of nurses in menstrual education. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Provide accurate information to help girls develop positive attitudes.
B. Avoid discussing menstruation unless asked.
C. Encourage young girls to research menstruation on their own.
D. Advise parents to avoid discussing menstruation with their daughters.
A. Provide accurate information to help girls develop positive attitudes.
Rationale: The text emphasizes the importance of nurses providing menstrual education to shape positive attitudes and improve self-image.
A nurse is educating a client about the menstrual cycle. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a correct understanding of LH’s role?
A. “LH is responsible for producing estrogen during the luteal phase.”
B. “Low LH levels lead to the secretion of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum.”
C. “LH inhibits the production of estrogen during the follicular phase.”
D. “LH surge triggers ovulation and stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum.”
D. “LH surge triggers ovulation and stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum.”
Rationale: The text describes that the LH surge causes ovulation and the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone.
