A pregnant client, at 16 weeks' gestation, has a hematocrit of 34%. Her pre-pregnancy hematocrit was 40%. Which of the following statements by the nurse best explains this change?
Because of your pregnancy, you're not making enough red blood cells.
You're not eating enough iron-rich foods like meat.
This change may indicate a serious problem that might harm your baby.
Because your blood plasma volume has increased, your hematocrit count is lower.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
During pregnancy, the body’s production of red blood cells usually increases to meet the increased demands of the growing fetus. Therefore, a drop in hematocrit is not typically due to insufficient red blood cell production.
Choice B rationale
While iron is essential during pregnancy, a reduction in hematocrit levels at 16 weeks' gestation is primarily due to increased plasma volume, rather than iron deficiency. Nutritional counseling may still be beneficial but isn't the primary explanation for this change.
Choice C rationale
A hematocrit level of 34% at 16 weeks is generally not considered indicative of a severe problem. Instead, it is a physiological response to increased plasma volume, known as dilutional anemia of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
The primary reason for a lower hematocrit count during pregnancy is the increase in blood plasma volume, leading to dilutional anemia. This is a normal adaptation to pregnancy that ensures adequate blood flow to the fetus.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
At 16 weeks, the fundal height is typically below the umbilicus. This location is more indicative of a fetus at around 20 weeks.
Choice B rationale
At 20 weeks, the fundal height is usually at the level of the umbilicus, indicating this is the correct gestational age.
Choice C rationale
At 24 weeks, the fundal height is usually above the umbilicus, suggesting a more advanced gestation than the picture indicates.
Choice D rationale
At 28 weeks, the fundal height is significantly above the umbilicus, making this option incorrect for the given scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Possible signs of pregnancy include symptoms like nausea, but feeling the baby move is not one of them.
Choice B rationale
Feeling fetal movements felt by both the mother and examiner is a positive sign of pregnancy as it confirms fetal presence.
Choice C rationale
Presumptive signs of pregnancy are symptoms felt by the woman, such as missed periods, but not confirmed fetal movements.
Choice D rationale
Probable signs include changes observed by an examiner, like a positive pregnancy test, but not confirmed fetal movements.
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