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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hemoconcentration by hypertension is a condition where the blood volume decreases and the blood pressure increases, leading to a higher hemoglobin level. A normal hemoglobin level for a pregnant woman in her second trimester is 10.5 to 14 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is within the normal range, not indicative of hemoconcentration.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a multiple gestation pregnancy is a pregnancy with more than one fetus, such as twins or triplets. A multiple gestation pregnancy can cause a lower hemoglobin level due to increased blood volume and increased demand for iron. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is not suggestive of a multiple gestation pregnancy.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because greater-than-expected weight gain is not directly related to the hemoglobin level. Weight gain during pregnancy depends on various factors such as pre-pregnancy weight, nutrition, physical activity, and genetics. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL does not reflect the weight status of the pregnant client.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce enough red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause a low hemoglobin level and affect the oxygen delivery to the tissues and the fetus. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL may indicate iron-deficiency anemia, especially if the client has other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or cravings for non-food items. The nurse should confirm the diagnosis with further tests and recommend iron supplements and dietary changes to treat the condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because recurrent pelvic infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause scarring and inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which can impair the normal movement of the fertilized egg to the uterus. This can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. They are usually benign and do not affect fertility or pregnancy. However, some types of ovarian cysts, such as endometriomas or dermoid cysts, may require surgery to remove them, which can cause damage to the ovaries or fallopian tubes and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because use of oral contraceptives for 8 years is not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. In fact, oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization. However, if a woman becomes pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, she should stop taking them and consult her doctor, as they may have adverse effects on the developing fetus.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because heavy, irregular periods are not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. They may indicate other conditions such as hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis, which can affect fertility or pregnancy, but not necessarily cause ectopic pregnancy.
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