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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Continuing to monitor and document fetal heart rate. This is an inadequate response that does not address the urgency of the situation or intervene to prevent fetal distress or demise.
Choice B Reason: Changing the mother's position to left lateral and giving oxygen by nasal cannula. This is a partial response that may improve maternal-fetal blood flow and oxygenation, but it does not resolve the cord compression or facilitate delivery.
Choice C Reason: With a sterile glove, maintaining pressure to lift the presenting part and emergently notifying the provider for a STAT C-section. This is an appropriate response that aims to reduce the cord compression by elevating the fetal head away from the cord and prepare for an immediate cesarean delivery.
Choice D Reason: Bolusing the patient with 1000cc lactated ringers. This is an irrelevant response that does not address the cause of the problem or improve fetal outcome.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Grunting and nasal flaring. These are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate that their oxygenation needs are not being met. Grunting and nasal flaring. This is because grunting and nasal flaring are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Grunting is a noise made by the newborn when exhaling, which reflects an atempt to keep the alveoli open and increase lung volume.
Nasal flaring is a widening of the nostrils when inhaling, which reflects an effort to reduce airway resistance and increase airflow.
Choice B Reason: Acrocyanosis. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a common condition called acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis means bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to poor peripheral circulation in response to cold exposure or stress. It does not affect oxygenation or ventilation and usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Choice C Reason: Abdominal breathing. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal patern of breathing for them. Abdominal breathing means that the newborn's abdomen rises and falls with each breath, which reflects the use of the diaphragm as the primary respiratory muscle.
Choice D Reason: Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal range of respiratory rate for them. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute.
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