A nurse is evaluating a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Which findings should the nurse recognize as expected physiological changes during pregnancy?

Gradual lordosis.

Decreased mobility of pelvic joints.

Increased abdominal muscle tone.

Posterior neck flexion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

Gradual lordosis, or the inward curvature of the spine, is a common physiological change during pregnancy. As the baby grows and the woman’s center of gravity shifts, the spine adjusts to maintain balance.

Choice B rationale

Decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, the body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process.

Choice C rationale

Increased abdominal muscle tone is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy. In fact, as the baby grows, the abdominal muscles stretch and can even separate, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Choice D rationale

Posterior neck flexion is not a typical physiological change during pregnancy.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Urinary frequency is a common early symptom of pregnancy. It’s caused by an increase of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The urges tend to reduce in the second trimester. Most women find they have to pee with even more frequency late in pregnancy, from about week 35 on. Near the end of the third trimester, when your baby is preparing for childbirth, the head “drops” down into the pelvis and presses squarely on your bladder — which means you’ll have that gotta-go urge more than ever.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that urinary frequency can reduce after the first trimester, it’s not accurate to say that it only lasts until the 12th week for most cases. It’s also not entirely dependent on bladder tone. The frequency of urination during pregnancy is primarily due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Choice C rationale

Although the duration of urinary frequency can vary among individuals, it’s not accurate to say that there’s no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client. Generally, urinary frequency is common during the first trimester and tends to reduce in the second trimester, only to increase again around week 352.

Choice D rationale

Labeling urinary frequency as a “minor inconvenience” that should be ignored is not an appropriate response. It’s important to validate the client’s experiences and provide accurate information. Urinary frequency is a normal part of pregnancy due to increased hormones and pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus.

A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. B. Witness the signature for informed consent for surgery. C. Prepare the abdominal and perineal areas. D. Initiate IV access.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority nursing action in this situation. While it may be necessary later in the care process, it is not the immediate concern when the client is experiencing a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. The priority is to stabilize the client and ensure the well-being of the fetus.

Choice B rationale

Witnessing the signature for informed consent for surgery is an important step before any surgical procedure. However, it is not the priority nursing action in this situation. The client’s condition could deteriorate rapidly due to the bleeding, and immediate medical interventions are necessary to stabilize the client and fetus.

Choice C rationale

Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas may be necessary if the client requires a surgical intervention. However, this is not the priority nursing action. The client is experiencing significant bleeding, and the priority is to stabilize the client’s condition.

Choice D rationale

Initiating IV access is the priority nursing action in this situation. The client is experiencing a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding, which could lead to hypovolemia and shock. IV access allows for the rapid administration of fluids and medications to stabilize the client’s condition.

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A nurse is evaluating a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy.Which findings should the nurse recognize as expected physiological changes during pregnancy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is at 7 weeks of gestation.The client reports urinary frequency and asks if this will continue until delivery.Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is evaluating a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Which findings should the nurse recognize as expected physiological changes during pregnancy?