NSG 333 Ch 11- Maternal Adaptation During Pregnancy

A gravida 2 para 1 client in the 10th week of her pregnancy says to the nurse, "I've never urinated as often as I have for the past three weeks." Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?

"By the time you are 12 weeks pregnant, this frequent urination should really decrease, but it is likely to return toward the end of your pregnancy." Rationale: As the uterus grows, it presses on the urinary bladder, causing the increased frequency of urination during the first trimester. This complaint lessens during the second trimester only to reappear in the third trimester as the fetus begins to descend into the pelvis, causing pressure on the bladder.

A woman in her second trimester comes for a follow-up visit and says to the nurse, "I feel like I'm on an emotional roller-coaster." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"Mood swings are completely normal during pregnancy." Rationale: Emotional lability is characteristic throughout most pregnancies. One moment a woman can feel great joy, and within a short time she can feel shock and disbelief. Frequently, pregnant women will start to cry without any apparent cause. Some women feel as though they are riding an "emotional roller-coaster." These extremes in emotion can make it difficult for partners and family members to communicate with the pregnant woman without placing blame on themselves for their mood changes. Clear explanations about how common mood swings are during pregnancy are essential.

The nurse is teaching a prenatal class about preparing for their expanding families. What is helpful advice from the nurse?

"The hormones of pregnancy may cause anxiety or depression postpartum." Explanation: The "raging hormones" of pregnancy can keep the woman slightly out of touch with her usual methods of coping. Although she may normally interact and communicate in quite mature ways, during a pregnancy she may become depressed, anxious, withdrawn, or angry as she accomplishes her own developmental tasks. Siblings often react to a pregnancy by regression in behavior and attitude because they fear they will be replaced or unloved. In addition to anticipatory guidance concerning the alterations in family structure and functioning, prenatal preparation for first-time parents involves learning the basics of infant care and preparing for infant feeding, particularly for women who plan to breastfeed.

A client is about 16 weeks' pregnant and is concerned because she feels her "abdomen" contracting. She calls the primary care provider's office and speaks to the nurse. What is the nurse's most appropriate response to this client's concern?

"What you are feeling are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They are considered practice contractions during pregnancy." Explanation: Braxton Hicks contractions are the painless, intermittent, "practice" contractions of pregnancy.

A client in her second trimester of pregnancy arrives at the health care facility for a routine follow-up visit. The nurse is required to educate the client so that the client knows what to expect during her second trimester. Which information should the nurse offer?

"You will experience quickening, and you will actually feel the baby." Explanation: The nurse should inform the client that quickening occurs in the second trimester. The client will be able to physically feel the fetal movements, which will help her bond with her developing fetus. Physical discomfort actually starts to increase in the third trimester as the fetus grows rapidly. The client feels conscious of the changes taking place in her body due to her pregnancy primarily in the first trimester, not the second. The client is likely to have mood swings in the first trimester of the pregnancy, which can be very overwhelming for the client as well as her partner.

At a routine visit, a pregnant woman nearing the end of her second trimester tells the nurse, "It is so strange. I lie down to go to sleep and then I have to get up to go to the bathroom. This always happens when I am trying to sleep." Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?

"Your kidneys increase their activity when you lie down causing you to urinate." Rationale: The activity of the kidneys normally increases when a person lies down and decreases upon standing. This difference is amplified during pregnancy, which is one reason a pregnant woman feels the need to urinate frequently while trying to sleep. Late in the pregnancy (third trimester), the increase in kidney activity is even greater when the woman lies on her side rather than her back. Lying on either side relieves the pressure that the enlarged uterus puts on the vena cava carrying blood from the legs. Subsequently, venous return to the heart increases, leading to increased cardiac output. Increased cardiac output results in increased renal perfusion and glomerular filtration. The woman has not voiced any reports suggesting a urinary tract infection. Fluid intake may be contributing to the woman's urination concern, but it is important for the woman to drink adequate amounts of fluid.

A urinalysis is done on a client in her third trimester. Which result would be considered abnormal?

2+ Protein in urine Explanation: During pregnancy, there may be a slight amount of glucose found in the urine due to the fact that the kidney tubules are not able to absorb as much glucose as there were before pregnancy. However, there should be minimal protein in the urine. A specific gravity of 1.010 and a straw- like color are both normal findings.

A woman's prepregnant weight is within the normal range. During her second trimester, the nurse would determine that the woman is gaining the appropriate amount of weight when her weight increases by which amount per week?

1 lb (0.45 kg) Explanation: The recommended weight gain pattern for a woman whose prepregnant weight is within the normal range would be 1 lb (0.45 kg) per week during the second and third trimesters. Underweight women should gain slightly more than 1 lb (0.45 kg) per week. Overweight women should gain about 2/3 lb (0.30 kg) per week.

The nurse is assessing a pregnant woman who is at 12 weeks' gestation. The woman's BMI was 18 prior to becoming pregnant. Her prepregnancy weight was 98 lb (44.5 kg). Which measurement would the nurse determine as appropriate weight gain for the woman during the first trimester?

104 lb (47 kg) Rationale: During the first trimester, for underweight women, weight gain should be at least 5 lb (2.25 kg). For this woman with a prepregnancy weight of 98 lb (44.5), a weight of 104 lb (47 kg) would meet this criteria.

A woman comes to the clinic for her first prenatal checkup. The woman has a body mass index (BMI) of 22. The nurse would anticipate that this client should gain approximately how much weight during her pregnancy?

25 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg) Explanation: A woman with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is of normal weight and should gain 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg) during the pregnancy. For a woman who is underweight (BMI <18.5), the total weight gain range is 28 to 40 pounds (13 to 18 kg). For a woman who is overweight (BMI = 25-29.9), total weight gain range should be 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg). For a woman who is obese (BMI = 30 or higher), the total weight gain range should be 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg).

A 23-year-old female has come to the clinic for her first prenatal visit. After the examination reveals no concerns and potential low-risk pregnancy, the nurse discusses nutritional needs for her and her growing baby. As per the Institute of Medicine, the nurse suggests the client take which amount of ferrous iron daily?

27 mg Explanation: The dietary reference intakes as per the Institute of Medicine are for 27 mg of ferrous iron and 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid per day. Women with a previous history of a fetus with a neural tube defect are often prescribed a higher dose.

The nurse obtains a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level from a woman who thinks that she is pregnant. Which result would the nurse identify as a positive pregnancy result?

32 mIU/mL (32 IU/L) Explanation: An hCG level lower than 5 mIU/mL (5 IU/l) is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything higher than 25 mIU/mL (25 IU/l) is considered positive for pregnancy.

A woman comes to the prenatal clinic for an evaluation because she thinks that she may be pregnant. The nurse is assisting the health care provider with the vaginal examination. The exam reveals a vaginal mucosa and cervix that are bluish-purple in color. Based on this information, the nurse suspects that the client is most likely how many weeks pregnant?

6 weeks Rationale: The finding indicates Chadwick's sign, a bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix. This typically occurs between 6 to 8 weeks. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix) occurs at about 5 weeks. Abdominal enlargement typically begins at about 14 weeks and ballottement (when the examiner pushes against the woman's cervix during a pelvic examination and feels a rebound from the floating fetus) usually occurs at about 16 weeks.

A woman in her second trimester comes to the clinic for a routine follow-up visit. The woman's prepregnancy blood pressure was 112/70 mm Hg. On this visit, the woman's blood pressure is 104/64 mm Hg. The nurse would interpret this finding as suggestive of which event?

A normal pregnancy finding secondary to progesterone effects Rationale: Blood pressure, especially the diastolic pressure, declines slightly during pregnancy as a result of peripheral vasodilation caused by progesterone. It usually reaches a low point midpregnancy and thereafter increases to prepregnancy levels until term. During the first trimester, blood pressure typically remains at the prepregnancy level. During the second trimester, the blood pressure decreases 5 to 10 mm Hg and thereafter returns to first-trimester levels. This decrease in blood pressure begins at about 7 weeks' gestation and persists until 32 weeks' gestation, when it begins to rise to prepregnancy levels. The client's blood pressure suggests a normal finding related to peripheral vasodilation from progesterone. Any significant rise in blood pressure during pregnancy should be investigated to rule out gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is a clinical diagnosis defined by the new onset of hypertension (systolic of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or diastolic of 90 mm Hg or higher) after 20 weeks' gestation. A lower blood pressure does not suggest anemia. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops more than 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic with a change in position, such as going from a lying to a standing position.

A nurse is conducting a class for a group of pregnant women in their first trimester about the emotional responses that occur during pregnancy. Which response would the nurse identify as being seen commonly during the second trimester?

Acceptance Rationale: During the second trimester, the physical changes of pregnancy, including an enlarging abdomen and fetal movement, bring a sense of reality and validity to the pregnancy leading to acceptance. Ambivalence, or having conflicting feelings at the same time, is a universal feeling and is considered normal when preparing for a lifestyle change and new role. Pregnant women commonly experience ambivalence during the first trimester. Usually ambivalence evolves into acceptance by the second trimester, when fetal movement is felt. Introversion seems to heighten during the first and third trimesters, when the woman's focus is on behaviors that will ensure a safe and health pregnancy outcome. Emotional lability, not emotional balance, is characteristic throughout most pregnancies. One moment a woman can feel great joy, and within a short time, she can feel shock and disbelief. It is not more common during one trimester or another.

A woman tells the nurse that she is going to use a home pregnancy test to determine whether she is pregnant. Which precautions should the nurse give her?

Arrange for prenatal care if the test is positive. Explanation: Home pregnancy testing can be accurate as soon as a period is missed; it should not take the place of prenatal care.

A pregnant client in her third trimester, lying supine on the examination table, suddenly grows very short of breath and dizzy. Concerned, she asks the nurse what is happening. Which response should the nurse prioritize?

Blood is trapped in the vena cava in a supine position. Explanation: Supine hypotension syndrome, or an interference with blood return to the heart, occurs when the weight of the fetus rests on the vena cava. Cerebral arteries should not be affected. Mean arterial pressure is high enough to maintain perfusion of the uterus in any orientation. The sympathetic nervous system will not be affected by the supine position.

Which change related to the vital signs is expected in pregnant women?

Blood pressure decreases. Explanation: Pulse and temperature often increase, while lung space is decreased in pregnant women. It is common for blood pressure to decrease during pregnancy.

During an exam, the nurse notes that the blood pressure of a client at 22 weeks' gestation is lower, and her heart rate is 12 beats per minute higher than at her last visit. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

Both findings are normal at this point of the pregnancy. Explanation: A pregnant woman will normally experience a decrease in her blood pressure during the second trimester. An increase in the heart rate of 10 to 15 beats per minute on average is also normal, due to the increased blood volume and increased workload of other organ systems. Hormonal changes cause the blood vessels to dilate, leading to a lowering of blood pressure.

Which information provided by a client would be considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?

Breast tenderness Explanation: Presumptive signs of pregnancy are things reported by the woman to the health care provider and occur early in pregnancy. Breast tenderness is a common sign reported by women in early pregnancy but is not a definitive sign. Reports of increased hunger and weight gain could be caused by any disorder or could be normal responses to eating cycles. Ballottement occurs late in the pregnancy and is a probable sign.

The nurse cares for a pregnant client at the first prenatal visit and reviews expected changes that will occur during pregnancy. Which information will the nurse include in the education?

During pregnancy blood volume can increase by at least 40%. Explanation: The pregnant woman can experience a blood volume increase by approximately 40% to 50% above prepregnancy levels by the end of the third trimester. Pregnancy results in an increased respiratory rate to provide oxygen to both the mother and fetus. Hemoglobin levels are usually low during pregnancy because of hemodilution of red blood cells, which is termed physiologic anemia of pregnancy. Blood pressure usually reaches a low point mid-pregnancy and, thereafter, increases to prepregnancy levels by the third trimester.

A nurse is developing a teaching plan about nutrition for a group of pregnant women. Which recommendations would the nurse include in the discussion? Select all that apply.

Eat three meals with snacking Avoid using diuretics Participate in physical activity. Rationale: To promote optimal nutrition, the nurse would recommend gradual and steady weight gain based on the client's prepregnant weight, eating three meals with one or two snacks daily, not restricting the use of salt unless instructed to do so by the health care provider, avoiding the use of diuretics, and participating in reasonable physical activity daily.

The nurse is counseling a young woman who has just entered her second trimester, after an uneventful first trimester. She tells the nurse, "It still doesn't seem real. It's just hard to believe that I will really have a baby." Which future events should the nurse point out that will help the young woman come to believe it is real? Select all that apply.

Feeling the baby kick Seeing an ultrasound image of the baby Explanation: During the second trimester, the psychological task of a woman is to accept she is having a baby, a step up from accepting the pregnancy. This change usually happens at quickening, or the first moment a woman feels fetal movement. Shopping for baby clothes for the first time, setting up the crib, seeing a blurry outline on a sonogram screen: any of these small actions may suddenly make the coming baby seem real and desired. Clearly, receiving a positive result on a pregnancy test was not enough to help this woman accept that she was having a baby, as this has already happened. Taking prenatal vitamins and giving up alcohol are more likely to be indicators that the woman has accepted the pregnancy rather than aiding her in accepting the baby.

A pregnant vegan reports eating lots of dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, and berries. To ensure that her infant's nervous system will develop properly, what foods should the nurse recommend that she add to her diet?

Fortified cereals Explanation: The best source to recommend are the fortified cereals to meet the amino acid needs necessary for the development of her infant's nervous system during pregnancy. She should be encouraged to include fortified cereals to meet these needs. The carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, nuts, and seeds will add other nutrients to her diet. A vegan will not eat milk and cheese, as they are animal products.

A client in her 39th week of gestation arrives at the maternity clinic stating that earlier in her pregnancy, she experienced shortness of breath. However, for the past few days, she has been able to breathe easily, but she has also begun to experience increased urinary frequency. A nurse is assigned to perform the physical examination of the client. Which observation is most likely?

Fundal height has dropped since the last recording. Explanation: Between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation, the fundal height drops as the fetus begins to descend and engage into the pelvis. Because it pushes against the diaphragm, many women experience shortness of breath. By 40 weeks, the fetal head begins to descend and engage into the pelvis. Although breathing becomes easier because of this descent, the pressure on the urinary bladder now increases, and women experience urinary frequency. The fundus reaches its highest level at the xiphoid process at approximately 36, not 39, weeks. By 20 weeks' gestation, the fundus is at the level of the umbilicus and measures 20 cm. At between 6 and 8 weeks of gestation, the cervix begins to soften (Goodell sign) and the lower uterine segment softens (Hegar's sign).

When teaching a pregnant client about the physiologic changes of pregnancy, the nurse reviews the effect of pregnancy on glucose metabolism. Which underlying reason for the effect would the nurse include?

Glucose moves through the placenta to assist the fetus. Rationale: The growing fetus has large needs for glucose, amino acids, and lipids, placing demands on maternal glucose stores. During the first half of pregnancy, much of the maternal glucose is diverted to the growing fetus. The pancreas continues to function during pregnancy. However, the placental hormones can affect maternal insulin levels. The demand for glucose by the fetus during pregnancy is high, but it is not necessarily used more rapidly. Placental hormones, not the woman's dietary intake, play a major role in glucose metabolism during pregnancy.

A 28-year-old client states that she has not had her menstrual period for the past 3 months and suspects she is pregnant. Which should the nurse do next?

Have the client take a pregnancy test. Explanation: Absence of menstruation, along with consistent nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and urinary frequency, are the presumptive signs of pregnancy. To determine if the client may be pregnant, a pregnancy test is indicated.

A 22-year-old client comes to the walk-in clinic complaining of fatigue, breast heaviness and extreme tenderness, and a clear vaginal discharge. What question would the nurse ask this client?

Have you been sexually active in the past 2 months? Explanation: The client is presenting with presumptive or subjective symptoms of pregnancy. Given her symptoms and age, asking about sexual activity is the most appropriate question. Whether she is taking an oral contraceptive will not assist in identifying the cause of her symptoms. If she has vaginal itching, the underlying cause of her symptoms needs to be identified before treatment can be prescribed. Asking about family history is part of a comprehensive health history, but is not the priority based on the client's presentation.

During a vaginal exam, the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is softened. The nurse documents this finding as:

Hegar sign. Rationale: Hegar sign refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment or isthmus. Bluish coloration of the cervix is termed Chadwick sign. Goodell sign refers to the softening of the cervix. Ortolani sign is a maneuver done to identify developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

A pregnant mother may experience constipation and the increased pressure in the veins below the uterus can lead to development of what problem?

Hemorrhoids Explanation: The displacement of the intestines and possible slowed motility of the intestines can lead to constipation in the pregnant woman. This, along with elevated venous pressure, can lead to development of hemorrhoids.

A 28-year-old client in her first trimester of pregnancy reports conflicting feelings. She expresses feeling proud and excited about her pregnancy while at the same time feeling fearful and anxious of its implications. Which action should the nurse do next?

Inform the client this is a normal response to pregnancy that many women experience. Explanation: The maternal emotional response experienced by the client is ambivalence. Ambivalence, or having conflicting feelings at the same time, is universal and is considered normal when preparing for a lifestyle change and new role. Pregnant women commonly experience ambivalence during the first trimester.

A client at 24 weeks' gestation is seen for a routine monthly check up. She reports concerns to the nurse about rest periods. She states that when she awakens she feels weak and lightheaded. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?

Inquire about the client's sleeping positions. Explanation: When a pregnant woman lies on her back she can experience vena cava syndrome. This results when the weight of the pregnant uterus presses against the vena cava. Additional symptoms of this include weakens nausea and dizziness. To manage this condition, pregnant women are encouraged to assume side lying positions instead of lying on their backs. There is no indication that the client is experiencing cardiac, preeclamptic or diabetes-related manifestations.

A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman and suspects that the woman may be experiencing pica. To help support this suspicion, the nurse evaluates the woman for signs and symptoms of which condition?

Iron-deficiency anemia Rationale: Three main substances consumed by women with pica are soil or clay (geophagia), ice (pagophagia), and laundry starch (amylophagia). Because each of these can lead to irondeficiency anemia, the nurse should evaluate the client for the condition. Urinary tract infection, diarrhea, and heartburn are not associated with pica.

The nurse is explaining the latest laboratory results to a pregnant client who is in her third trimester. After letting the client know she is anemic, which heme iron-rich foods should the nurse encourage her to add to her diet?

Meats Explanation: Meats are the best source of heme-rich iron and should be included in her diet if she is not following a vegetarian diet. Grains and legumes are non-heme iron sources. Dairy products will add various vitamins and calcium to the diet.

In preparing for a prenatal class to discuss the hormonal changes during pregnancy, which information would the nurse most likely include?

Over-the-counter antacids can be used to treat acid reflux with the health care provider's knowledge. Explanation: Elevated progesterone levels cause smooth muscle relaxation, which can result in relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and reflux of the stomach contents into the lower esophagus. OTC antacids will usually relieve the symptoms but should be discussed with the health care provider first. The hormonal changes are necessary for the pregnancy to continue, and the woman will return to her usual nonpregnant hormonal levels after the baby is born. Taking hormonal replacement therapy is not recommended. Using herbs should be done only with the knowledge of the health care practitioner due to the side effects and contraindications of some herbs during pregnancy. Some herbs will cause a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

A client in her 29th week of gestation reports dizziness and clamminess when assuming a supine position. During the assessment, the nurse observes there is a marked decrease in the client's blood pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help alleviate this client's condition?

Place the client in the left lateral position. Explanation: The symptoms experienced by the client indicate supine hypotension syndrome. When the pregnant woman assumes a supine position, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the inferior vena. The nurse should place the client in the left lateral position to correct this syndrome and optimize cardiac output and uterine perfusion. Elevating the client's legs, placing the client in an orthopneic position, or keeping the head of the bed elevated will not help alleviate the client's condition.

What are the probable signs of pregnancy that would be noted in a woman? Select all that apply.

Positive Goodell sign Ballottement Explanation: Probable signs of pregnancy include objective data such as the Goodell sign, which is cervical softening. Another probable sign is ballottement, which is when the examiner pushes against the uterine wall and it bounces back. Breast tenderness and amenorrhea are presumptive signs and visualization of the gestational sac is a positive sign of pregnancy.

The nurse is assessing a client who believes she is pregnant. The nurse points out a more definitive assessment is necessary due to which sign being considered a probable sign of pregnancy?

Positive home pregnancy test Explanation: A urine pregnancy test is considered a probable sign of pregnancy as the hCG may be from another source other than pregnancy. Fatigue, amenorrhea, and vomiting are presumptive or possible signs of pregnancy and can also have other causes.

The partner of a pregnant client in her first trimester asks the nurse about the client's behavior recently, stating that she is very moody, seems happy one moment and is crying the next and all she wants to talk about is herself. What response would correctly address these concerns?

Pregnant women often experience mood swings and self-centeredness but this is normal. Explanation: During the first trimester of pregnancy, the woman often has mood swings, bouts of irritability and is hypersensitive. The partner needs to know that these are all normal behaviors for a pregnant woman.

A nurse is teaching a pregnant woman about ways to prevent the development of the foodborne illness listeriosis. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the woman identifies the need to avoid which food(s)? Select all that apply.

Soft cheeses Refrigerated meat spreads Store-made chicken salad Rationale: To prevent listeriosis, the woman should avoid soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses, refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is an ingredient in a cooked dish such as a casserole, salads made in the store such as ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, or seafood salad, and unpasteurized milk. It is safe to eat canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads and canned fish such as salmon and tuna or shelf-stable smoked seafood.

During a routine prenatal visit, a pregnant woman reports a white, thick, vaginal discharge. She denies any itching or irritation. Which action would the nurse take next?

Tell the woman that this is entirely normal. Explanation: Vaginal secretions increase during pregnancy and this is considered normal leukorrhea based on the woman's report that she is not experiencing any itching or irritation. There is no evidence indicating the need to notify the health care provider, check for rupture of membranes, or advise her about the need for a culture.

A pregnant client at 24 weeks' gestation calls the clinic crying after a prenatal visit, where she had a pelvic exam. She states that she noticed blood on the tissue when she wiped after voiding. What initial statement by the nurse would explain this finding?

The cervix is very vascular during pregnancy, so spotting after a pelvic exam is not unusual. Explanation: Slight bleeding after a pelvic exam in a pregnant woman is common due to the vascularity of her cervix during pregnancy. Suggesting a bleeding disorder is frightening and not substantiated by the data. Bleeding is not a normal finding during pregnancy and losing the mucus plug occurs at the end of pregnancy, just prior to labor.

The nurse-midwife is performing a pelvic examination on a client who came to her following a positive home pregnancy test. The nurse checks the woman's cervix for the probable sign of pregnancy known as Goodell sign. Which description illustrates this alteration?

The cervix softens. Explanation: At about the 8th week of gestation, the cervix softens, a probable sign known as Goodell sign. The cervix also looks blue or purple when examined; this is Chadwick sign, and may occur as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. At about 6 weeks, the lower uterine segment softens, a probable sign called Hegar sign. A softening of the uterine fundus, where the embryo has implanted, also occurs by about the 7th week, and the fundus enlarges by the 8th week.

The nurse is assessing a pregnant client in her third trimester who is reporting a first-time occurrence of constipation. When asked why this is happening, what is the best response from the nurse?

The intestines are displaced by the growing fetus. Explanation: The growing fetus is displacing the intestines and interfering with peristalsis, delaying the passage of fecal matter and resulting in constipation. This is common and expected; however, the client should take measures to prevent hemorrhoids that can occur as the result of the pressure and straining. Progesterone, not hCG, can delay gastric emptying and decrease peristalsis.

The nurse is presenting a nutritional plan to a primigravida client who is questioning the addition of iodized salt to her diet. Which explanation should the nurse prioritize in answering this client?

Thyroid activity, which depends on iodine intake, increases during pregnancy. Explanation: Hyperplasia of glandular tissue and increased vascularity can cause the thyroid gland to increase in size. Iodine is a necessary mineral for optimal thyroid function. So as the thyroid increases, the need for additional iodine increases. Progesterone formation is not dependent on iodine. The activity of the adrenal gland does not influence iodine's effectiveness.

During an examination, a client at 32 weeks' gestation becomes dizzy, lightheaded, and pale while supine. What should the nurse do first?

Turn the client on her left side. Explanation: As the enlarging uterus increases pressure on the inferior vena cava, it compromises venous return, which can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and pallor when the client is supine. The nurse can relieve these symptoms by turning the client on her left side, which relieves pressure on the vena cava and restores venous return. Although they are valuable assessments, fetal heart tone and maternal blood pressure measurements do not correct the problem. Because deep breathing has no effect on venous return, it cannot relieve the client's symptoms.

After teaching a refresher class to a group of prenatal clinic nurses about pregnancy, insulin, and glucose, the nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the group identifies which hormone as being involved with opposing insulin?

aldosterone Rationale: Prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone are all thought to oppose insulin. As a result, glucose is less likely to enter the mother's cells and is more likely to cross over the placenta to the fetus. Aldosterone does not oppose insulin.

A nurse is assessing a client who may be pregnant. The nurse reviews the client's history for presumptive signs. Which signs would the nurse most likely note? Select all that apply.

amenorrhea nausea Rationale: Presumptive signs include amenorrhea, nausea, breast tenderness, urinary frequency and fatigue. Abdominal enlargement and Braxton-Hicks contractions are probable signs of pregnancy. Fetal heart sounds are a positive sign of pregnancy.

A woman is at 20 weeks' gestation. The nurse would expect to find the fundus at which area?

at the level of the umbilicus Rationale: The uterus, which starts as a pear-shaped organ, becomes ovoid as length increases over width. By 20 weeks' gestation, the fundus, or top of the uterus, is at the level of the umbilicus and measures 20 cm. A monthly measurement of the height of the top of the uterus in centimeters, which corresponds to the number of gestational weeks, is commonly used to date the pregnancy.

A pregnant woman who is a vegetarian asks the nurse, "What would you suggest to make sure that I get enough protein in my diet while I am pregnant?" Which food(s) would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest? Select all that apply.

beans lentils nuts Explanation: Ways to ensure adequate protein intake include using soy foods, beans, lentils, nuts, grains, and seeds. Orange juice and green leafy vegetables can help promote calcium and vitamin C intake.

A nurse is providing nutritional counseling to a pregnant woman and gives her suggestions about consuming foods that are high in folic acid. As part of the plan of care, the client is to keep a food diary that the client and nurse will review at the next visit. When reviewing the client's diary, which meals would indicate to the nurse that the client is increasing her intake of folic acid? Select all that apply.

chicken breast with baked potato and broccoli cheeseburger with spinach and baked beans strawberry walnut salad with romaine lettuce Rationale: Good food sources of folic acid include dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, romaine lettuce, and spinach; baked beans; black-eyed peas; citrus fruits; peanuts; and liver. So the meals containing chicken breast with baked potato and broccoli, cheeseburger with spinach and baked beans, and the strawberry walnut salad with romaine lettuce demonstrate an intake of foods high in folic acid.

A nurse is caring for a pregnant client who has been diagnosed with lordosis. The nurse offers preventive measures for which consequence of lordosis when caring for this client?

chronic backache Explanation: The nurse should provide preventive measures for chronic backache as a consequence of lordosis when caring for this client. Melasma (chloasma) is characterized by darkened areas on the face, particularly over the nose and cheeks. It is also known as the mark of pregnancy. Chloasma is not caused by lordosis. Diastasis recti occurs as the pregnancy progresses when the rectus muscle stretches to the point that it separates. It is not caused by lordosis. Edema in lower extremities occurs due to an impeded venous return caused by the pressure of the growing fetus on pelvic and femoral areas. It is not caused by lordosis.

During pregnancy a woman has many psychological adaptations that must be made. The nurse must remember that the baby's father is also experiencing the pregnancy and has adaptations that must be made. Some fathers actually have symptoms of the pregnancy along with the mothers. What is this called?

couvade syndrome Explanation: Some fathers actually experience some of the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting, along with their partner. This phenomenon is called couvade syndrome.

Which assessment finding in the pregnant woman at 12 weeks' gestation should the nurse find most concerning? The inability to:

detect fetal heart sounds with a Doppler. Explanation: Fetal heart sounds are audible with a Doppler at 10 to 12 weeks' gestation but cannot be heard through a stethoscope until 18 to 20 weeks' gestation. Fetal movements can be felt by a woman as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy and felt by the examiner around 20 weeks' gestation. The fetal outline is also palpable around 20 weeks' gestation.

Which effect would the nurse identify as a normal physiologic change in the renal system due to pregnancy?

dilation of the renal pelvis Explanation: The renal pelvis becomes dilated during pregnancy, possibly due to the effect of progesterone on smooth muscle. The glomerular filtration rate increases during pregnancy. The kidneys enlarge during pregnancy. The ureters elongate, widen, and become more curved above the pelvic rim.

A nurse is monitoring a client's hCG levels because she has had a previous ectopic pregnancy and one spontaneous abortion. Which finding would the nurse interpret as indicating that the pregnancy is progressing appropriately?

doubling of the level every 2 to 3 days Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein and the earliest biochemical marker for pregnancy. Many pregnancy tests are based on the recognition of hCG or a beta subunit of hCG. hCG levels in normal pregnancy usually double every 48 to 72 hours until they peak approximately 60 to 70 days after fertilization. At this point, they decrease to a plateau at 100 to 130 days of pregnancy.

A woman is 10 weeks' pregnant and tells the nurse that this pregnancy was unplanned and she has no real family support. The nurse's most therapeutic response would be to:

encourage her to identify someone that she can talk to and share the pregnancy experience. Explanation: A pregnant woman without social support needs to identify someone with whom she can share the experience of pregnancy because social support is a crucial part of adapting to parenthood. Telling her to move home and telling her that she will feel better as the pregnancy progresses do not address the issue of isolation. Also, moving home may not be a possibility for this woman. The nurse should maintain a professional relationship and not commit to a long-term relationship with a client.

The nurse is conducting an annual examination on a young female who reports her last menses was 2 months ago. The client insists she is not pregnant due to a negative home pregnancy test. Which assessment should the nurse use to assess confirm the pregnancy?

fetal heartbeat Explanation: The only positive sign of pregnancy is a sign or symptom that could only be attributable to the fetus; thus, fetal heartbeat can have no other origin. Chadwick sign is a color change in the cervix, vagina, and perineum; these could all be the result of other causes. A positive urine hCG is a probable sign as it can be related to causes other than pregnancy. A change in the size and shape of the uterus can occur due to other causes.

What is a positive sign of pregnancy?

fetal movement felt by examiner Explanation: The positive signs of pregnancy are fetal image on sonogram, hearing a fetal heart rate, and the examiner feeling fetal movement.

A client arrives to the clinic very excited and reporting a positive home pregnancy test. The nurse cautions that the home pregnancy test is considered a probable sign and will assess the client for which sign to confirm pregnancy?

fetal movement felt by examiner Explanation: The positive signs of pregnancy are fetal image on a sonogram, hearing a fetal heart rate, and examiner feeling fetal movement. A pregnancy test has 95% accuracy; however, it may come back as a false positive. Hegar sign is a softening of the uterine isthmus. Chadwick sign may have other causes besides pregnancy.

The nurse is discussing the insulin needs of a primiparous client with diabetes who has been using insulin for the past few years. The nurse informs the client that her insulin needs will increase during pregnancy based on the nurse's understanding that the placenta produces:

hPL, which deceases the effectiveness of insulin. Rationale: Human placental lactogen (hPL) acts as an antagonist to insulin, so the mother must produce more insulin to overcome this resistance. If the mother has diabetes, then her insulin need would most likely increase to meet this demand. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) does not affect insulin and glucose level. Estrogen, not estriol, is believed to oppose insulin. In addition, insulin does not cross the placenta. Relaxin is not associated with insulin resistance.

A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman on a routine checkup. When assessing the woman's gastrointestinal tract, what would the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply.

hyperemic gums reports of bloating heartburn nausea Rationale: Gastrointestinal system changes include hyperemic gums due to estrogen and increased proliferation of blood vessels and circulation to the mouth; slowed peristalsis; acid indigestion and heartburn; bloating and nausea and vomiting.

Which change in the musculoskeletal system would the nurse mention when teaching a group of pregnant women about the physiologic changes of pregnancy?

increased lordosis Rationale: With pregnancy, the woman's center of gravity shifts forward, requiring a realignment of the spinal curvatures. There is an increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis). Ligaments of the sacroiliac joints and pubis symphysis soften and stretch. Increased swayback and an upper spine extension to compensate for the enlarging abdomen occur. Joint relaxation and increased mobility occur due to the influence of the hormones relaxin and progesterone.

Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals a pigmented line down the middle of her abdomen. The nurse documents this as which finding?

linea nigra Rationale: Linea nigra refers to the darkened line of pigmentation down the middle of the abdomen in pregnant women. Striae gravidarum refers to stretch marks, irregular reddish streaks on the abdomen, breasts, and buttocks. Melasma (chloasma) refers to the increased pigmentation on the face, also known as the "mask of pregnancy." Vascular spiders are small, spiderlike blood vessels that appear usually above the waist and on the neck, thorax, face, and arms.

Many changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman. Some of these are changes in the integumentary system. What is one change in the integumentary system called?

melasma (chloasma) Explanation: The so-called mask of pregnancy, melasma (also known as chloasma) can appear as brown blotchy areas on the forehead, cheeks, and nose of the pregnant woman. This condition may be permanent, or it may regress between pregnancies.

A nurse strongly encourages a pregnant client to avoid eating swordfish and tilefish because these fish contain which component?

mercury, which could harm the developing fetus if eaten in large amounts Rationale: Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, and some contain higher levels of mercury that may harm the developing fetus if ingested by pregnant women in large amounts. Among these fish are shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Folic acid is found in dark green vegetables, baked beans, black-eyed peas, citrus fruits, peanuts, and liver. Folic acid supplements are needed to prevent neural tube defects. Women who are lactose-intolerant experience abdominal discomfort, gas, and diarrhea if they ingest foods containing lactose. Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain high-quality proteins, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids.

A woman suspecting she is pregnant asks the nurse about which signs would confirm her pregnancy. The nurse would explain that which sign would confirm the pregnancy?

palpable fetal movement Rationale: Only positive signs of pregnancy would confirm a pregnancy. The positive signs of pregnancy confirm that a fetus is growing in the uterus. Visualizing the fetus by ultrasound, palpating for fetal movements, and hearing a fetal heartbeat are all signs that make the pregnancy a certainty. Absence of menstrual period and morning sickness are presumptive signs, which can be due to conditions other than pregnancy. Abdominal enlargement is a probable sign.

A client's menstrual period is two weeks late. She has been feeling tired and has had episodes of nausea in the morning. What classification of pregnancy symptoms is this client experiencing?

presumptive Explanation: The most common presumptive sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period, or amenorrhea. Other presumptive signs include nausea, fatigue, swollen, tender breasts, and frequent urination.

Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals that she compulsively craves ice. The nurse documents this finding as:

pica Rationale: Pica refers to the compulsive ingestion of nonfood substances such as ice. Quickening refers to the mother's sensation of fetal movement. Ballottement refers to the feeling of rebound from a floating fetus when an examiner pushes against the woman's cervix during a pelvic examination. Linea nigra refers to the pigmented line that develops in the middle of the woman's abdomen.

In a client's seventh month of pregnancy, she reports feeling "dizzy, like I'm going to pass out, when I lie down flat on my back." The nurse explains that this is due to:

pressure of the gravid uterus on the vena cava. Rationale: The client is describing symptoms of supine hypotension syndrome, which occurs when the heavy gravid uterus falls back against the superior vena cava in the supine position. The vena cava is compressed, reducing venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure, with increased orthostasis. The increased blood volume and physiologic anemia are unrelated to the client's symptoms. Pressure on the diaphragm would lead to dyspnea.

While talking with a woman in her third trimester, the nurse understands that which behavior indicates that the woman is learning to give of oneself?

questioning ability to become a good mother Rationale: Learning to give of oneself would be demonstrated when the woman questions her ability to become a good mother to the infant. Showing concern for herself and fetus as a unit reflects the task of ensuring safe passage throughout pregnancy and birth. Unconditionally accepting the pregnancy reflects the task of seeking acceptance of the infant by others. Longing to hold the infant reflects the task of seeking acceptance of self in the maternal role to the infant.

A woman in the third trimester of her first pregnancy expresses fear about the birth canal being wide enough for her to push the baby through it during labor. She is a petite person, and the baby seems so large. She asks the nurse how this will be possible. To help alleviate the client's fears, the nurse should mention the role of the hormone that softens the cervix and collagen in the joints, which allows dilation (dilatation) and enlargement of the birth canal. What is this hormone?

relaxin Explanation: Relaxin, secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary as well as the placenta, is responsible for helping to inhibit uterine activity and to soften the cervix and the collagen in joints. Softening of the cervix allows for dilation (dilatation) at birth; softening of collagen allows for laxness in the lower spine and so helps enlarge the birth canal. The effect of estrogen is to cause breast and uterine enlargement. Progesterone has a major role in maintaining the endometrium, inhibiting uterine contractility, and aiding in the development of the breasts for lactation. Human placental lactogen (hPL), also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, serves as an antagonist to insulin, making insulin less effective and thereby allowing more glucose to become available for fetal growth.

A pregnant woman asks the nurse, "I've heard that I should avoid eating certain types of fish. So what fish can I eat?" Which type of fish would the nurse recommend? Select all that apply.

shrimp salmon catfish Rationale: The nurse should recommend eating up to 12 ounces (two average meals) weekly of low-mercury-level fish such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish and avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, orange roughy, ahi tuna, and tilefish because they are high in mercury levels.

The nurse teaches a primigravida client that lightening occurs about 2 weeks before the onset of labor. What will the mother likely experience at that time?

urinary frequency Rationale: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis and engagement. With this descent, pressure on the diaphragm decreases, easing breathing, but pressure on the bladder increases, leading to urinary frequency. Dysuria might indicate a urinary tract infection. Constipation may occur throughout pregnancy due to decreased peristalsis, but it is unrelated to lightening.

A primiparous client is being seen in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. It is determined that she is 11 weeks pregnant. The nurse develops a teaching plan to educate the client about what she will most likely experience during this period. Which possible effect would the nurse include?

urinary frequency Rationale: The client is in her first trimester and would most likely experience urinary frequency as the growing uterus presses on the bladder. Ankle edema, backache, and hemorrhoids would be more common during the later stages of pregnancy.

A pregnant woman comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that she has been having a whitish vaginal discharge. The nurse suspects vulvovaginal candidiasis based on which assessment finding?

vaginal itching Rationale: Vaginal secretions become more acidic, white, and thick during pregnancy. Most women experience an increase in a whitish vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea. This is normal except when it is accompanied by itching and irritation, possibly suggesting Candida albicans, a monilial vaginitis, which is a very common occurrence in this glycogen-rich environment. Fever would suggest a more serious infection. Urinary frequency occurs commonly in the first trimester, disappears during the second trimester, and reappears during the third trimester. Incontinence would not be associated with a vulvovaginal candidiasis. Incontinence would require additional evaluation.

A client who has just given a blood sample for pregnancy testing in the health care provider's office asks the nurse what method of confirming pregnancy is the most accurate. The nurse explains the difference between presumptive symptoms, probable signs, and positive signs. What should the nurse mention as an example of a positive sign, which may be used to diagnose pregnancy?

visualization of the fetus by ultrasound Explanation: There are only three documented or positive signs of pregnancy: 1) demonstration of a fetal heart separate from the mother's, 2) fetal movements felt by an examiner, and 3) visualization of the fetus by ultrasound. The absence of a period is an example of a presumptive symptom, which is a symptom that, when taken as a single entity, could easily indicate other conditions. Laboratory tests of either urine or blood serum for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are examples of probable signs of pregnancy, which are objective and so can be verified by an examiner.