Why is glucose metabolism profoundly affected during pregnancy?
The pregnant woman uses glucose at a more rapid rate than the nonpregnant woman.
Placental hormones are antagonistic to insulin, thus resulting in insulin resistance.
Pancreatic function in the islets of Langerhans is affected by pregnancy.
The pregnant woman increases her dietary intake significantly.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer, as the pregnant woman does not use glucose at a more rapid rate than the nonpregnant woman. In fact, the pregnant woman has lower fasting glucose levels and higher postprandial glucose levels than the nonpregnant woman. This is because the pregnant woman adapts to the increased fetal demand for glucose by increasing her insulin secretion and decreasing her hepatic glucose production.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer, as placental hormones are antagonistic to insulin, thus resulting in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells do not respond well to insulin and require more insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Placental hormones, such as human placental lactogen, progesterone, and cortisol, increase the insulin resistance of the maternal tissues, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This is to ensure that the fetus has enough glucose supply, as the placenta is not insulin resistant and can transport glucose to the fetus².
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer, as pancreatic function in the islets of Langerhans is not affected by pregnancy. The islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, that regulate glucose metabolism. Pregnancy does not impair the function of the islets of Langerhans, but rather stimulates them to increase their size and number. This is to compensate for the increased insulin resistance and glucose demand of the pregnancy.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer, as the pregnant woman does not increase her dietary intake significantly. The pregnant woman needs to consume adequate calories and nutrients to support the fetal growth and development, but not excessively. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy depends on the pre-pregnancy BMI of the woman, but generally ranges from 11 to 16 kg. The recommended calorie intake during pregnancy is about 300 kcal more than the pre-pregnancy intake, which is equivalent to one extra snack per day.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes and increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause hyporeflexia and respiratory depression as adverse effects. These are signs of magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus and lessen lochial flow. A boggy uterus is a sign of uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth. Magnesium sulfate has no effect on these conditions.
Choice C reason: Magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting contractions. Magnesium sulfate is not used to induce or augment labor.
Choice D reason: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat convulsions in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Convulsions are a life-threatening complication of severe hypertension during pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant. It reduces the risk of seizures and lowers blood pressure.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypoinsulinemia is not a major neonatal complication of the infant of a diabetic mother. It is a condition of low insulin levels in the blood, which can cause hyperglycemia.
Choice B reason: Hypercalcemia is not a major neonatal complication of the infant of a diabetic mother. It is a condition of high calcium levels in the blood, which can cause muscle weakness, confusion, and kidney stones.
Choice C reason: Hypobilirubinemia is not a major neonatal complication of the infant of a diabetic mother. It is a condition of low bilirubin levels in the blood, which can cause pale skin and eyes.
Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is a major neonatal complication of the infant of a diabetic mother. It is a condition of low blood sugar levels, which can cause seizures, lethargy, and brain damage.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct answer. There is one major neonatal complication of the infant of a diabetic mother, which is hypoglycemia.
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