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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. The client reports a decrease in nausea and vomiting.
This indicates that the treatment has been effective in reducing the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum and improving the quality of life of the client.
Choice B is wrong because weight gain alone is not a reliable indicator of treatment effectiveness.
Weight gain may be due to fluid retention or other factors unrelated to nausea and vomiting.
Choice C is wrong because urine specific gravity of 1.035 is high and indicates dehydration, which is a complication of hyperemesis gravidarum.
The normal range of urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.0302.
Choice D is wrong because hematocrit of 38% is within the normal range for pregnant women (33 to 39%) and does not reflect the severity or improvement of hyperemesis gravidarum.
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
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