A nurse is evaluating a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Which findings should the nurse recognize as expected physiological changes during pregnancy?
Gradual lordosis.
Decreased mobility of pelvic joints.
Increased abdominal muscle tone.
Posterior neck flexion.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Gradual lordosis, or the inward curvature of the spine, is a common physiological change during pregnancy. As the baby grows and the woman’s center of gravity shifts, the spine adjusts to maintain balance.
Choice B rationale
Decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, the body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process.
Choice C rationale
Increased abdominal muscle tone is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, as the baby grows, the abdominal muscles stretch and can even separate, a condition known as diastasis recti.
Choice D rationale
Posterior neck flexion is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain. This is a common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. The pain usually starts on one side of the abdomen after the early stages of pregnancy and may be accompanied by spotting or vaginal bleeding.
Choice A rationale
Large amount of vaginal bleeding. While vaginal bleeding can occur in an ectopic pregnancy, it’s usually light to moderate, not large. Heavy vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriage or other conditions.
Choice B rationale
Severe nausea and vomiting. While some women with an ectopic pregnancy may experience nausea and vomiting, these symptoms are common in early pregnancy and are not specific to ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age. This is not a typical symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, because the pregnancy is not in the uterus, the size of the uterus may be smaller than expected for the gestational age.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important for the nurse to provide reassurance and support during the exam, this statement alone doesn’t address the client’s specific concerns or provide any useful information.
Choice B rationale
Telling the client to relax doesn’t address her concerns or provide any useful information. It’s normal to feel nervous before a pelvic exam, especially if it’s the first one.
Choice C rationale
Asking the client what part of the exam makes her most nervous allows the nurse to provide specific information and reassurance, which can help alleviate the client’s anxiety.
Choice D rationale
While a pelvic exam is often part of the process when starting oral contraceptives, it’s not always required. The need for a pelvic exam can depend on the client’s age, sexual history, and other factors.
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