A nurse is explaining the musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy to a group of expectant mothers.
Which change alters the center of gravity and posture of the body?
Increased joint laxity.
Increased spinal curvature.
Increased muscle strain.
Decreased muscle strength.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Increased renal blood flow is responsible for the increased urinary output during pregnancy.
This is because the renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate increase by 50% to 80% during pregnancy, resulting in more urine production.
Choice A is wrong because the glomerular filtration rate increases, not decreases, during pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because the tubular reabsorption decreases, not increases, during pregnancy.
This is due to the increased levels of progesterone, which inhibit sodium reabsorption and cause diuresis.
Choice D is wrong because the increased plasma volume is a consequence, not a cause, of the increased renal blood flow.
The plasma volume expands by 30% to 50% during pregnancy to meet the increased metabolic demands of the mother and fetus.
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