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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the main reason, as the use of contraceptives for an extended time does not necessarily affect the fertility of a woman. Most contraceptives are reversible and do not cause permanent damage to the reproductive system. However, some contraceptives may take longer to wear off than others, and some may have side effects that can interfere with ovulation or implantation.
Choice B reason: This is the main reason, as the aging process can affect the ovaries and the quality and quantity of the eggs. As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries) declines, and the eggs become more prone to chromosomal abnormalities. This can reduce the chances of conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
Choice C reason: This is not the main reason, as prepregnancy medical attention is not a prerequisite for achieving pregnancy. However, prepregnancy medical attention can be beneficial for a woman who is older than 35 years, as it can help identify and manage any existing or potential health problems that may affect the pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders.
Choice D reason: This is not the main reason, as personal risk behaviors are not specific to a woman who is older than 35 years. Personal risk behaviors are factors that can negatively affect the fertility of any woman, regardless of age. Some examples of personal risk behaviors are smoking, drinking, using drugs, having multiple sexual partners, or having sexually transmitted infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They are a probable sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign.
Choice B reason: Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it confirms the presence of a living fetus in the uterus. It can be detected as early as 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice C reason: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy, as it indicates the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine or blood. However, it is not a definitive sign, as other conditions can cause elevated hCG levels.
Choice D reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, which usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign.
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