A pregnant client in her third trimester complains of lower back pain. The nurse explains that this discomfort is common due to postural changes. Which of the following best explains the role of lordosis in pregnancy-related back pain?
Lordosis refers to a straightening of the spine to accommodate fetal weight, which reduces flexibility and causes back pain.
Lordosis is caused by compression of spinal nerves from the expanding uterus and is typically a sign of neurologic compromise.
Increased lumbar lordosis is a compensatory change in spinal curvature that shifts the center of gravity forward to balance the enlarging uterus.
Lordosis develops due to increased thoracic spine curvature and leads to shoulder pain in late pregnancy.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Lordosis refers to a straightening of the spine to accommodate fetal weight, which reduces flexibility and causes back pain: Lordosis is an increased inward curvature of the lumbar spine, not a straightening. The curvature helps maintain balance rather than reducing flexibility.
B. Lordosis is caused by compression of spinal nerves from the expanding uterus and is typically a sign of neurologic compromise: Lordosis is a normal musculoskeletal adaptation during pregnancy, not a sign of nerve compression or neurologic compromise.
C. Increased lumbar lordosis is a compensatory change in spinal curvature that shifts the center of gravity forward to balance the enlarging uterus: The forward shift in center of gravity increases strain on lumbar muscles and ligaments, contributing to common pregnancy-related lower back pain.
D. Lordosis develops due to increased thoracic spine curvature and leads to shoulder pain in late pregnancy: Lordosis involves the lumbar spine, not the thoracic spine, and is associated with lower back pain, not shoulder pain.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Secondary dysmenorrhea: Although secondary dysmenorrhea involves painful menstruation caused by pelvic pathology, it is a broad term. Endometriosis is a specific cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, but the additional symptoms of infertility and dyspareunia suggest a more defined diagnosis.
B. Primary dysmenorrhea: Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins during adolescence and is caused by excessive prostaglandin production leading to uterine contractions. It does not usually worsen over time or cause infertility and pain during intercourse.
C. PMS: Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and fatigue occurring before menstruation. It does not cause severe pelvic pain, dyspareunia, or infertility, which are hallmark features of endometriosis.
D. Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to chronic inflammation, scarring, and adhesions. It commonly causes progressive dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, aligning closely with this patient’s symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Deformities are usually caused by events happening during labor and delivery, not during pregnancy.": Most congenital deformities originate during embryonic or fetal development, not during the birth process. Labor complications may cause trauma, but they do not typically result in structural malformations.
B. "Genetics is the only reason babies are born with deformities, so environmental factors are not involved.": Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to congenital anomalies. Teratogens such as certain drugs, infections, or radiation can significantly impact fetal development, especially during critical organ formation periods.
C. "Most major organ development occurs early in pregnancy, between weeks 3 and 8, so exposure to harmful substances during that time may have caused the deformity.": The embryonic period, from weeks 3 to 8, is when organogenesis occurs. During this stage, teratogenic exposure can cause structural malformations.
D. "Deformities occur because organs develop throughout the entire pregnancy, so problems can happen anytime.": Although functional maturation continues throughout pregnancy, structural organ development mainly occurs in the first trimester. Therefore, the risk for major congenital malformations is greatest early in gestation.
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