A nurse is caring for a pregnant client who is experiencing leg cramps.
These cramps are primarily caused by:.
Increased joint laxity.
Increased spinal curvature.
Increased muscle strain.
Decreased muscle strength.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.
These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.
Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.
Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:
No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid
No signs of infection or other illness in the baby
Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for inhibiting ovulation and stimulating milk production during pregnancy.
It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and increases throughout pregnancy.
Choice A is wrong because hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta and maintains the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and estrogen.
hCG does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.
Choice B is wrong because progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta and supports the endometrium, prevents uterine contractions, and prepares the breasts for lactation.
Progesterone does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.
Choice C is wrong because estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta and stimulates uterine growth, blood flow, and breast duct development.
Estrogen does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.
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