A woman who is 38 weeks pregnant reports feeling dizzy when lying on her back. What does the nurse explain as the most likely cause of this symptom?

Supine hypotension syndrome

Pregnancy-induced hypotension

Anxiety

Hypoglycemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Supine hypotension syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when the woman is lying flat on her back, leading to decreased venous return, lowered cardiac output, and a drop in blood pressure. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and sometimes fainting. It is more common in the later stages of pregnancy, such as at 38 weeks.

B. Pregnancy-induced hypotension refers to a decrease in blood pressure due to pregnancy, but it typically does not occur specifically when lying on the back, and is not the main cause of dizziness when positioned in that way.

C. Anxiety can cause dizziness, but it is not the most likely cause of dizziness related to lying flat on the back, especially in late pregnancy.

D. Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, but it is not typically triggered by a change in position like lying on the back, making it less likely in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Deepening pigmentation, such as changes in the skin like melasma or linea nigra, is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it is subjective and not specific to pregnancy alone.

B. Abdominal enlargement is a probable sign of pregnancy as it is more objective and can be caused by the growing uterus. However, it may also occur due to other conditions, such as tumors or fluid accumulation.

C. Ballottement, a sensation felt when the fetus rebounds after being pushed gently, is a probable sign of pregnancy due to its reliance on the presence of a fetus.

D. A positive pregnancy test result is a probable sign because it detects hCG levels, which are strongly associated with pregnancy but may also be elevated in other conditions.

A. Posterior neck flexion B. An increase in lordosis C. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints D. Increased abdominal muscle tone

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Posterior neck flexion is not a normal physiologic change in pregnancy; it is more associated with musculoskeletal issues unrelated to pregnancy.

B. An increase in lordosis is a common and expected change during pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges, the center of gravity shifts forward, causing an increase in the curvature of the lower back (lordosis).

C. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints is not typical. In fact, hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased mobility of the pelvic joints (e.g., the pubic symphysis) to prepare for labor.

D. Increased abdominal muscle tone is not typical during pregnancy. In fact, abdominal muscles often stretch and weaken as the pregnancy progresses to accommodate the growing fetus.

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A woman who is 38 weeks pregnant reports feeling dizzy when lying on her back. What does the nurse explain as the most likely cause of this symptom?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The following are probable signs of pregnancy, except?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in her second trimester of pregnancy. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings as an expected physiologic change during pregnancy?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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