On her first visit, a patient had a baseline hemoglobin of 13.0 gm and a hematocrit of 42.9%.She has been taking ferrous sulfate tablets and eating an iron-rich diet.She returned to the clinic at 30 weeks gestation and has a hemoglobin of 11.0 gm and a hematocrit of 36.3%.She is concerned and confused about why these lab values have gone down.
In responding, which physiological change during pregnancy should the nurse describe to the patient?
The increase in the level of placental hormones tends to result in chelation of maternal iron.
Fetal demand for iron is greater than the maternal intake.
During the latter half of pregnancy, the maternal intestinal absorption of iron is decreased.
The increase in maternal blood volume is greater than the increase in maternal red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. The increase in maternal blood volume is greater than the increase in maternal red blood cells.
This means that the concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood is diluted by the extra fluid.
This is a normal physiological adaptation to pregnancy and does not indicate iron deficiency anemia.
Choice A is wrong because placental hormones do not chelate maternal iron.
Chelation is a process of binding metal ions to organic molecules, which is not relevant to this question.
Choice B is wrong because fetal demand for iron is not greater than maternal intake.
The mother can meet the iron needs of the fetus by increasing her dietary intake and taking iron supplements.
Choice C is wrong because maternal intestinal absorption of iron is not decreased during pregnancy.
In fact, it may be increased due to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. When the neonate responds to the mother by some signal, attachment behavior is stimulated in the mother.This is based on therooting reflex, which helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding and also promotes bonding between the mother and the baby.
Choice A is wrong because acrocyanosis is a normal condition in newborns that causes bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to poor circulation.It is not related to muscle tone or reflexes.
Choice B is wrong because myelinization of nerves is a process that occurs gradually during development and is not influenced by tactile stimulation.Myelin is a fatty substance that covers nerve fibers and helps them transmit signals faster and more efficiently.
Choice D is wrong because reflexes are involuntary movements or actions that do not depend on conscious thought or learning.They are not directly related to growth patterns, although they may indicate the health and development of the brain and nervous system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Insufficient relaxation of the uterus between contractions.This is also known astachysystoleorhyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress and uterine rupture.Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, but it can also cause them to be too strong or too frequent if given in high doses or for too long.
Choice A is wrong because oxytocin does not decrease body temperature.
Choice B is wrong because oxytocin does not cause maternal cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C is wrong because oxytocin does not cause urinary retention.
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