A nurse is providing education to a client in the first trimester of pregnancy. What information should the nurse include regarding the cause of indigestion and heartburn?
Increased pancreatic activity during pregnancy causes fat intolerance.
Increased estrogen production causes more hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Pressure from the growing uterus pushes up on the stomach and intestines.
Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter allowing acid to reflux.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Increased pancreatic activity during pregnancy causing fat intolerance is not related to the cause of indigestion and heartburn. Pancreatic activity can change during pregnancy, but it does not directly impact indigestion and heartburn.
Choice B rationale:
Increased estrogen production causing more hydrochloric acid in the stomach is not the cause of indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. While hormones can influence digestion, the mechanism for indigestion and heartburn lies elsewhere.
Choice C rationale:
Pressure from the growing uterus pushing up on the stomach and intestines is a contributing factor to indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. However, it is not the primary cause. The main cause is related to the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter.
Choice D rationale:
Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, which is a muscular valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When this sphincter relaxes, it can lead to acid reflux and subsequent indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. The nurse should educate the client about this hormonal effect to help manage these symptoms effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority intervention because excessive postpartum bleeding could indicate uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively. Assessing the fundus will help determine if it is boggy and if fundal massage is needed to promote uterine contraction and reduce bleeding.
B. Assisting the client to urinate is an important intervention if the bladder is distended, as a full bladder can prevent the uterus from contracting properly. However, palpating the fundus to assess the source of bleeding takes priority over assisting with urination.
C. Preparing to administer oxytocic medication may be necessary if the uterine fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage, but the first step is to assess the fundus and attempt manual intervention before proceeding with medication.
D. Increasing the client's fluid intake can help maintain circulation and prevent dehydration, but it does not address the immediate concern of postpartum hemorrhage. Palpating the fundus is the priority action in this scenario
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. The client should receive Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) if they are Rh-negative and their partner's Rh status is unknown or Rh-positive. This prevents the development of Rh antibodies in the mother's blood, which could be harmful in future pregnancies if the baby is Rh-positive.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Rh(D) immune globulin is administered to an Rh-negative mother within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive. This is done to prevent the mother from developing Rh antibodies that could affect subsequent pregnancies.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. There is no restriction on receiving other immunizations after receiving Rh(D) immune globulin. The shot only protects against Rh incompatibility and does not interfere with other immunizations.
Choice D rationale:

This statement is correct. Rh(D) immune globulin can be given after birth to an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive baby. This helps protect the mother's future pregnancies from the potential harmful effects of Rh incompatibility.
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