Phys and Pathophys - part 2 - Exam 1 Flashcards
During pregnancy, PMI shifts ____ and heart size increases _____
PMI shifts laterally and heart size increases by 12%
What is supine hypotensive syndrome due to?
compression of the inferior vena cava that causes hypotension, bradycardia and syncope when the pregnant pt lies supine
What cardiovascular changes will all INCREASE when pregnanct?
-stroke volume
-heart rate
-cardiac output
-blood flow distribution to the uterus, kidneys, breast and skin
- LE venous pressure increases
What heart rate increase in normal for a preg pt?
~ 15 bpm more at term than nonpregnant rate
progressively increases as the preg progresses and can be increased more for multiple gestations
What 2 cardiovascular changes DECREASE in preg?
-BP decreases slightly
-peripheral vascular resistance
What does increased LE venous pressure result in?
edema and varicosities
Why does peripheral vascular resistance decrease in preg?
due to enhanced vasodilators
Where are systolic murmurs the most common in preg? Why? How common are they?
Murmurs or bruits at left sternal edge
internal thoracic (mammary) artery
up to 90%! very common
What are some EKG changes that may be seen in pregnancy?
May see left axis shift, ST depression, T-wave flattening
What are 2 respiratory anatomic changes seen in preg?
Capillary dilation
rib cage is increasingly displaced upward and thoracic circumference is increased
What is the net effect of respiratory changes due to preg? Often can result in _______
less overall lung space, but less “dead space” and increased tidal volume
aka respiratory rate is constance but gas exchange efficiency is better
mild respiratory alkalosis due to more CO2 being expelled
What renal changes are seen with pregnancy?
Increased renal size
Dilated renal calyces and pelves
Dilated and tortuous ureters
Bladder - displaced upward,
flattened, decreased tone
What 3 renal functions increase with pregnancy?
plasma flow
GFR
Creatinine clearance resulting in LOWER serium CR and BUN
_____ activity increases when pregnancy and is very resistant to _____ effect
renin
pressor effects
Why would renin increase if not to cause vasopressor effects?
renin causes increased Na and water absorption which helps maintain the higher blood volume needed when pregnant
What are 2 noteworthy GI system effects due to preg?
increased salivation
decreased intestinal transit times in the 2nd and 3rd trimester
______ is an extremely common GI complaint due to preg? What are the 3 reasons behind it?
Reflux/heartburn in 30-80% of gravidas
Greater production of gastrin
Decreased esophageal peristalsis
Hormone-mediated relaxation of LES
what 2 liver changes are seen during preg?
Mild decrease in protein, esp. albumin
Increased serum alkaline phosphatase: due to alk phos isoenzymes from placenta
What electrolyte is especially affected by albumin?
calcium, because it is protein bound
During preg the blood volume increases by ______. Describe the process that leads to this.
50%
increased estrogen → stimulates RAAS → increased aldosterone → Na+ reabsorption → water retention
Why do you think we see a physiologic anemia in pregnancy?
due to disproportional amount of increase of blood volume (50%) to increase in RBC (33%)
Why are preg pts more likely to clot? give 3 reasons
Increase in several clotting factors
Decrease in protein S, fibrinolytic activity
Platelet count decreases due to hemodilution
Does immune function increase or decrease with preg? Do AI diseases tend to get better or worse with preg?
slightly decrease
AI diseases tend to get better
What effect does preg have on the pituitary gland?
Enlarges by 135% during normal pregnancy
growth hormone is increased
prolactin is 10X greater than normal