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
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A decrease in saliva production may aggravate the disorder is incorrect. While excessive salivation (ptyalism) is a symptom of hyperemesis gravidarum, a decrease in saliva production is not the primary factor contributing to the disorder.
B. Decreasing gastric secretions lead to increased nausea is incorrect. While nausea and vomiting are key features of hyperemesis gravidarum, the decrease in gastric secretions does not directly cause it. The disorder is typically associated with an increase in hCG, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
C. An increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels may contribute to this disorder is correct. Hyperemesis gravidarum is often linked to elevated levels of hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy, which may lead to increased nausea and vomiting.
D. Symptoms begin and are most severe during the second trimester of pregnancy is incorrect. Hyperemesis gravidarum typically presents in the first trimester and may improve after that, although severe cases can last longer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This is the correct statement. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), and there is no known safe threshold for alcohol use during pregnancy.
B. Consuming one to two alcoholic beverages per day during pregnancy is not safe and could lead to fetal harm. There is no safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
C. Drinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy is risky and can lead to serious complications for the fetus, even after the first trimester.
D. There is a clear and established link between maternal alcohol consumption and developmental and cognitive delays in the child. Therefore, this statement is inaccurate.
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