Jana purchased an over-the-counter pregnancy test.

The results were positive.

The hormone responsible for a positive pregnancy test is:

Choice A rationale
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maintains the corpus luteum, ensuring the continued production of progesterone and estrogen, which are crucial for maintaining pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Testosterone is not produced by the placenta during pregnancy, but is rather a male sex hormone produced primarily by the testes in males and small amounts by the ovaries in females.
Choice C rationale
Insulin is not produced by the placenta; it is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels in the mother's body during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Estrogen produced by the placenta stimulates the growth of the uterus and helps regulate various functions essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Choice E rationale
Progesterone produced by the placenta helps maintain the uterine lining, reduces uterine contractions, and supports a favorable environment for fetal development throughout pregnancy.

Choice A rationale
Strong rectal pressure indicates advanced labor and potential imminent delivery, requiring immediate assessment of cervical dilation to ensure appropriate intervention and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the patient to push without confirming cervical dilation could lead to cervical trauma or delivery complications if dilation is not complete, making this action inappropriate.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the MD without first assessing cervical dilation may cause unnecessary delay in intervention, potentially leading to complications during labor and delivery if the patient is fully dilated.
Choice D rationale
Offering the patient the bedpan when she feels strong rectal pressure can increase the risk of delivering the baby in an inappropriate setting, as the rectal pressure suggests imminent birth.