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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Limiting exercise to low-impact aerobics is safe and suitable for pregnant women.
Choice B rationale
Swimming is considered a safe and beneficial exercise during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Walking is a recommended form of exercise for pregnant women.
Choice D rationale
Sitting in a sauna is not advised during pregnancy due to risks of overheating and dehydration. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler at the fourth week of gestation is incorrect. At this early stage, the embryonic heart has only just begun to form, and its activity cannot be detected by Doppler.
Choice B rationale
The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler at the sixth week of gestation is incorrect. Although the heart begins to beat around this time, it is usually too faint to be detected by Doppler.
Choice C rationale
The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler at the seventh week of gestation is incorrect. It remains challenging to detect the fetal heartbeat this early with standard Doppler equipment.
Choice D rationale
The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler at the twelfth week of gestation is correct. By the end of the first trimester, the fetal heart is sufficiently developed and strong enough to be detected using Doppler ultrasound, allowing healthcare providers to monitor fetal well-being.
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