The nurse caring for the pregnant patient understands that the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy is:
Estrogen
Oxytocin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Progesterone
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Estrogen is not the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. Estrogen is a hormone that stimulates the growth and development of the female reproductive organs, the breasts, and the placenta. Estrogen also increases the blood flow and the uterine contractility during pregnancy. However, estrogen alone is not sufficient to sustain the pregnancy, as it needs to be balanced by progesterone.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin is not the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates the contraction of the uterine and the mammary glands. Oxytocin plays a role in the initiation and the progression of labor, as well as in the milk ejection during breastfeeding. However, oxytocin is not involved in the maintenance of the pregnancy, as it can cause premature labor if released too early.
Choice C rationale
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is not the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. hCG is a hormone that is produced by the placenta and the embryo. hCG supports the corpus luteum, which is the structure that produces progesterone in the early pregnancy. hCG also prevents the immune system from rejecting the fetus, and stimulates the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. However, hCG is not the main hormone that maintains the pregnancy, as its levels decline after the first trimester, when the placenta takes over the production of progesterone.
Choice D rationale
Progesterone is the hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone that prepares the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Progesterone also maintains the pregnancy by preventing the uterine contractions and the immune response against the fetus. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the early pregnancy, and by the placenta in the later pregnancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This is incorrect because variable decelerations are not related to fetal head compression. Fetal head compression causes early decelerations, which are symmetrical and mirror the shape of the uterine contraction.
Choice B rationale
This is correct because variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression. Umbilical cord compression reduces the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, resulting in abrupt and irregular decreases in the fetal heart rate that vary in onset, depth, and duration.
Choice C rationale
This is incorrect because variable decelerations are not caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. Uteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations, which are symmetrical and begin after the peak of the uterine contraction.
Choice D rationale
This is incorrect because variable decelerations are not a result of the administration of narcotic analgesics. Narcotic analgesics can cause a decrease in the baseline fetal heart rate and variability, but not variable decelerations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vaginal discharge is not a finding that indicates preeclampsia. Vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence during pregnancy, as the cervix and vaginal walls soften and produce more mucus. Vaginal discharge can also indicate infections, such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis, which are not related to preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Elevated blood pressure is a finding that indicates preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and placental abruption, which can endanger the mother and the fetus. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure and report any readings above 140/90 mm Hg.
Choice C rationale
Joint pain is not a finding that indicates preeclampsia. Joint pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, as the hormones and weight gain cause changes in the joints and ligaments. Joint pain can also indicate other conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or lupus, which are not related to preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Increased urine output is not a finding that indicates preeclampsia. Increased urine output is a normal occurrence during pregnancy, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and the kidneys filter more blood. Increased urine output can also indicate diabetes, urinary tract infection, or diuretic use, which are not related to preeclampsia.
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