Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals a pigmented line down the middle of her abdomen. The nurse documents this as which finding?
striae gravidarum
linea nigra
vascular spiders
melasma
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs during pregnancy. They are caused by the tearing of the connective tissue in the dermis due to rapid growth or weight gain.
Choice B: Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that runs from the umbilicus to the pubic area. It is caused by increased melanin production due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is the correct choice because it matches the description in the question.
Choice C: Vascular spiders are dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin as red or purple spider-like lesions. They are caused by increased estrogen levels and blood volume during pregnancy. They are usually found on the face, neck, chest, or arms.
Choice D: Melasma is a condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. It is caused by increased melanin production due to sun exposure and hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because marijuana is a psychoactive substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and impaired memory. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction in pregnant women or their fetuses.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because cocaine is a stimulant substance that affects the cardiovascular system and can cause tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction, arrhythmias, and ischemia in pregnant women or their fetuses. It can also increase the risk of placental abruption, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal death.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because nicotine is a stimulant substance that affects the respiratory system and can cause bronchodilation, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure in pregnant women or their fetuses. However, it does not cause vasoconstriction, but rather vasodilation.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because caffeine is a stimulant substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause alertness, insomnia, anxiety, and increased urine output in pregnant women or their fetuses. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction in moderate doses.
Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because heroin is an opioid substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, sedation, analgesia, and respiratory depression in pregnant women or their fetuses. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ambivalence is a mixed or contradictory feeling towards something or someone. It may occur in some women during pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted. However, it is not the most likely emotional response in the first trimester.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because emotional lability is a rapid and exaggerated change in mood or affect. It may occur in many women during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and psychological stressors. Emotional lability may manifest as increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, or crying spells.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because introversion is a personality trait that indicates a preference for solitude and inward focus. It may be present in some women before or during pregnancy, but it is not an emotional response that is specific to the first trimester.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because acceptance is a positive attitude that indicates a willingness to embrace the reality of something or someone. It may develop in some women during pregnancy as they adjust to their new role and identity as mothers. However, it is not the most likely emotional response in the first trimester.
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