A nurse is caring for a pregnant client who has hyperemesis gravidarum and is receiving IV fluids and antiemetics in an acute care facility.

Which of the following outcomes indicates that treatment has been effective?

The correct answer is choice A. Increased joint laxity contributes to increased spinal curvature in pregnant women.

Joint laxity is caused by the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments and joints of the pelvis and spine to prepare for childbirth.

This can result in increased lordosis (inward curvature) of the lumbar spine and increased kyphosis (outward curvature) of the thoracic spine.

Choice B is wrong because increased weight gain does not directly affect spinal curvature, but it can cause postural changes such as anterior pelvic tilt and forward trunk lean.

Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain is a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strain can occur due to the altered biomechanics and balance of the spine and pelvis during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is also a consequence, not a cause, of spinal curvature changes.

Muscle strength can decrease due to reduced physical activity, hormonal changes, or pain during pregnancy.

Normal ranges for spinal curvature vary depending on age, sex, and measurement method, but generally they are:

Sacral inclination: 30-50 degrees

Lumbar curvature: 20-45 degrees

Thoracic curvature: 20-40 degrees

Cervical curvature: 20-35 degrees

Leg cramps are painful muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both.

They are common during pregnancy, often happening at night during the second and third trimesters.

While the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear, various theories point to the following causes of leg cramps during pregnancy: 2

Pregnancy fatigue from carrying the extra baby weight

Compression of the blood vessels in the legs

Diet (an excess of phosphorus and a shortage of calcium or magnesium)

Pregnancy hormones since they seem to cause so many pregnancy aches and pains

Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of hormonal changes that relax the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth.

Choice B is wrong because increased spinal curvature is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of the changing center of gravity and posture during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a consequence of muscle fatigue and weight gain during pregnancy.

Normal ranges for calcium are 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL, for magnesium are 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL, and for phosphorus are 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.