In a client's seventh month of pregnancy, she reports feeling "dizzy, like I'm going to pass out, when I lie down flat on my back". The nurse explains that this is due to:
Select one:
Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume.
Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta.
Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm.
A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different condition that affects hemoglobin levels, not blood pressure. Physiologic anemia is a condition where the maternal plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass during pregnancy, which dilutes the hemoglobin concentration and lowers the hematocrit value. Physiologic anemia does not cause significant symptoms or complications in pregnant women, as it is an adaptive mechanism that enhances oxygen delivery and prevents fluid overload.
Choice B Reason: Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. This is because this statement explains the cause of supine hypotensive syndrome, which is a condition where lying flat on the back causes compression of the major blood vessels by the gravid uterus, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, which lowers blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Supine hypotensive syndrome can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, or syncope in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Choice C Reason: Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different condition that affects respiratory function, not blood pressure. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm is a result of cephalic engagement or lightening, which occurs when the fetal head descends into the pelvis and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, heartburn, or rib pain in pregnant women.
Choice D Reason: A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that describes a normal physiological change that occurs during pregnancy, not a cause of supine hypotensive syndrome. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is due to increased production of plasma and red blood cells, which helps meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus and placenta, and prepares the mother for blood loss during delivery. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy does not cause hypotension or dizziness in pregnant women.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "Your body is responding to the events of labor, just like after a tough workout." This is an inaccurate statement that does not explain the cause of the contractions or reassure the client.
Choice B Reason: "This could be a sign that your body is trying to get rid of retained placental fragments." This is an alarming statement that may scare the client and imply that something is wrong. Retained placental fragments are rare and usually cause heavy bleeding, fever, and infection.
Choice C Reason: "Let me check your vaginal discharge just to make sure everything is fine." This is an unnecessary statement that does not answer the client's question or provide any information.
Choice D Reason:"The baby's sucking releases oxytocin which causes your uterus to contract." This is a correct statement that explains the physiological mechanism of the contractions and reassures the client that they are normal and beneficial.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "My baby will always be smaller than other babies his age." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misconception or pessimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not always be smaller than other babies their age, as they may catch up in growth and development with appropriate nutrition and care. SGA newborns may have different growth paterns depending on the cause and timing of their growth restriction.
Choice B Reason: "My baby will be okay as long as he has frequent feedings." This is an incorrect answer that indicates an oversimplification or optimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not be okay with just frequent feedings, as they may have other problems or complications that require medical atention and intervention. SGA newborns may have increased nutritional needs and feeding difficulties due to low birth weight, poor suck-swallow coordination, or oral aversion.
Choice C Reason: "My baby will need to stay in the hospital until he weighs 5 pounds." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misunderstanding or confusion about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not need to stay in the hospital until they weigh 5 pounds, as they may be discharged earlier or later depending on their condition and readiness for home care. SGA newborns may have different criteria for discharge based on their gestational age, weight gain, feeding tolerance, temperature stability, and absence of complications.
Choice D Reason: "My baby can get cold easily, may have low blood sugar, and may have trouble breathing." This is because this statement by the parents indicates that they understand some of the common problems and complications that SGA newborns may face. SGA newborns are those who weigh less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, which can be due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or constitutional factors. SGA newborns may have difficulties with thermoregulation, glucose metabolism, and respiratory function due to inadequate fat stores, glycogen reserves, and surfactant production.
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