A nurse is explaining the musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy to a group of expectant mothers.
Which change alters the center of gravity and posture of the body?
Increased joint laxity.
Increased spinal curvature.
Increased muscle strain.
Decreased muscle strength.
The Correct Answer is B
This change alters the center of gravity and posture of the body because the uterus expands and shifts higher as the fetus grows during pregnancy.
This causes an increased strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting the vertebral column and leads to lower back pain.
Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is caused by hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments throughout the body, resulting in decreased stability of the joints.
Choice C is wrong because increased muscle strain does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is a consequence of the shift in the center of gravity and the weight gain during pregnancy, which put more pressure on the back muscles.
Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength does not alter the center of gravity and posture of the body.
It is not a common musculoskeletal change during pregnancy, although some women may experience fatigue or weakness due to hormonal changes or anemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Back pain is a common symptom experienced due to increased muscle strain during pregnancy.
As the uterus grows and the center of gravity shifts, there is more pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments.
This can cause pain, difficulty with balance, and reduced activity.
Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are not caused by muscle strain, but by other factors such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or compression of blood vessels.
Choice C is wrong because pelvic pain is not a typical symptom of musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy.
Pelvic pain can be caused by other conditions such as urinary tract infection, preterm labor, or pelvic girdle pain.
Choice D is wrong because carpal tunnel syndrome is not a result of muscle strain, but of fluid retention and swelling that compresses the median nerve in the wrist.
This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Leg cramps are painful muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both.
They are common during pregnancy, often happening at night during the second and third trimesters.
While the exact cause of leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t clear, various theories point to the following causes of leg cramps during pregnancy: 2
Pregnancy fatigue from carrying the extra baby weight
Compression of the blood vessels in the legs
Diet (an excess of phosphorus and a shortage of calcium or magnesium)
Pregnancy hormones since they seem to cause so many pregnancy aches and pains
Choice A is wrong because increased joint laxity is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of hormonal changes that relax the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth.
Choice B is wrong because increased spinal curvature is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a result of the changing center of gravity and posture during pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because decreased muscle strength is not a cause of leg cramps, but rather a consequence of muscle fatigue and weight gain during pregnancy.
Normal ranges for calcium are 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL, for magnesium are 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL, and for phosphorus are 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.
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