Chapter 13 Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Chapter 13  Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A woman’s obstetric history indicates that she is pregnant for the fourth time, and all of her children from previous pregnancies are living. One was born at 39 weeks of gestation, twins were born at 34 weeks of gestation, and another child was born at 35 weeks of gestation. What is her gravidity and parity using the GTPAL system?
a.
3-1-1-1-3
b.
4-1-2-0-4
c.
3-0-3-0-3
d.
4-2-1-0-3

ANS: B
Using the GTPAL system, 4-1-2-0-4 is the correct calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity. The numbers reflect the woman’s gravidity and parity information. Her information is calculated as: G reflects the total number of times the woman has been pregnant; she is pregnant for the fourth time. T indicates the number of pregnancies carried to term, not the number of deliveries at term; only one of her pregnancies resulted in a fetus at term. P is the number of pregnancies that resulted in a preterm birth; the woman has had two pregnancies in which she delivered preterm. A signifies whether the woman has had any abortions or miscarriages before the period of viability; she has not. L signifies the number of children born who are currently living; the woman has four children. 3-1-1-1-3 is an incorrect calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity; 3-0-3-0-3 is an incorrect calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity; and 4-2-1-0-3 is an incorrect calculation of this woman’s gravidity and parity.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 284 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

2. Which presumptive sign or symptom of pregnancy would a client experience who is approximately 10 weeks of gestation?
a.
Amenorrhea
b.
Positive pregnancy test
c.
Chadwick sign
d.
Hegar sign

ANS: A
Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs of pregnancy are those felt by the woman. A positive pregnancy test and the presence of the Chadwick and Hegar signs are all probable signs of pregnancy.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 285
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

3. A client is seen at the clinic at 14 weeks of gestation for a follow-up appointment. At which level does the nurse expect to palpate the fundus?
a.
Nonpalpable above the symphysis at 14 weeks of gestation
b.
Slightly above the symphysis pubis
c.
At the level of the umbilicus
d.
Slightly above the umbilicus

ANS: B
In normal pregnancies, the uterus grows at a predictable rate. It may be palpated above the symphysis pubis sometime between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. As the uterus grows, it may be palpated above the symphysis pubis sometime between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. At 14 weeks, the uterus is not yet at the level of the umbilicus. The fundus is not palpable above the umbilicus until 22 to 24 weeks of gestation.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 286
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

4. The musculoskeletal system adapts to the changes that occur throughout the pregnancy. Which musculoskeletal alteration should the client expect?
a.
Her center of gravity will shift backward.
b.
She will have increased lordosis.
c.
She will have increased abdominal muscle tone.
d.
She will notice decreased mobility of her pelvic joints.

ANS: B
An increase in the normal lumbosacral curve (lordosis) develops, and a compensatory curvature in the cervicodorsal region develops to help her maintain balance. The center of gravity shifts forward. She will have decreased abdominal muscle tone and will notice increased mobility of her pelvic joints.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 296 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

5. A 31-year-old woman believes that she may be pregnant. She took an over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy test 1 week ago after missing her period; the test was positive. During her assessment interview, the nurse inquires about the woman’s last menstrual period and asks whether she is taking any medications. The client states that she takes medicine for epilepsy. She has been under considerable stress lately at work and has not been sleeping well. Her physical examination does not indicate that she is pregnant. She has an ultrasound scan, which confirms that she is not pregnant. What is the most likely cause of the false-positive pregnancy test result?
a.
The pregnancy test was taken too early.
b.
Anticonvulsant medications may cause the false-positive test result.
c.
The woman has a fibroid tumor.
d.
She has been under considerable stress and has a hormone imbalance.

ANS: B
Anticonvulsants may cause false-positive pregnancy test results. OTC pregnancy tests use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology, which can yield positive results as soon as 4 days after implantation. Implantation occurs 6 to 10 days after conception. If the woman were pregnant, then she would be into her third week at this point (having missed her period 1 week ago). Fibroid tumors do not produce hormones and have no bearing on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) pregnancy tests. Although stress may interrupt normal hormone cycles (menstrual cycles), it does not affect hCG levels or produce positive pregnancy test results.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 285
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity