A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the changes in her posture during pregnancy.
Which factor contributes to increased spinal curvature?
Increased joint laxity.
Increased weight gain.
Increased muscle strain.
Decreased muscle strength.
The Correct Answer is A
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
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This change alters the center of gravity and posture of the body because the uterus expands and shifts higher as the fetus grows during pregnancy.
This causes an increased strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting the vertebral column and leads to lower back pain.
Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is caused by hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments throughout the body, resulting in decreased stability of the joints.
Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is a consequence of the shift in the center of gravity and the weight gain during pregnancy, which put more pressure on the back muscles.
Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is not a common musculoskeletal change during pregnancy, although some women may experience fatigue or weakness due to hormonal changes or anemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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