The nurse would include which of the following statements when describing the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes?
There is progressive resistance to the effects of insulin
Pregnancy fosters the development of carbohydrate cravings.
Hypoinsulinemia develops early in the first trimester
Glucose levels decrease to accommodate fetal growth.
The Correct Answer is A
A. There is progressive resistance to the effects of insulin. During pregnancy, placental hormones (such as human placental lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone) cause increasing insulin resistance. This ensures that glucose remains available for fetal growth. However, in gestational diabetes, the pancreas cannot compensate with increased insulin production, leading to hyperglycemia.
B. Pregnancy fosters the development of carbohydrate cravings. While some pregnant individuals experience cravings, this is not a defining cause of gestational diabetes. The condition results from hormonal changes leading to insulin resistance, not dietary habits alone.
C. Hypoinsulinemia develops early in the first trimester. Gestational diabetes is not caused by a deficiency of insulin (hypoinsulinemia) but by insulin resistance. In fact, insulin production often increases, but it is insufficient to overcome the resistance caused by placental hormones.
D. Glucose levels decrease to accommodate fetal growth. In a normal pregnancy, glucose levels remain stable, and the fetus actively takes glucose from maternal circulation. However, in gestational diabetes, maternal glucose levels rise due to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of fetal overgrowth (macrosomia).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Jaundice. Oxytocin does not cause jaundice in the mother. Jaundice is typically related to liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or bile obstruction and is not an expected side effect of oxytocin administration.
B. Dehydration. While prolonged labor induction may contribute to dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient, oxytocin itself does not directly cause dehydration. IV fluids are typically administered alongside oxytocin to maintain hydration during labor.
C. Uterine hyperstimulation. Uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole), defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes, is a serious complication of oxytocin administration. It can lead to fetal distress, uterine rupture, and impaired placental perfusion. If hyperstimulation occurs, the nurse should discontinue oxytocin, reposition the patient, provide oxygen, and notify the provider.
D. Maternal bradycardia. Oxytocin does not typically cause bradycardia. Maternal side effects are more commonly tachycardia, hypertension, or fluid retention. Fetal bradycardia, however, can occur if uterine hyperstimulation leads to fetal hypoxia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Perform vaginal exam and apply upward digital pressure to the presenting part. A prolapsed umbilical cord is an obstetric emergency that can lead to cord compression and fetal hypoxia. The priority intervention is for the nurse to manually lift the presenting part (usually the fetal head) off the cord to relieve pressure and restore blood flow. The nurse should maintain this position until an emergency cesarean section is performed.
B. Immediately turn the client to her side. Positioning changes, such as the knee-chest or Trendelenburg position, can help relieve pressure on the cord, but they are secondary to manually lifting the presenting part. While turning the client may assist, it is not the most immediate life-saving action.
C. Call the physician immediately. While notifying the provider is essential, relieving pressure on the umbilical cord takes priority. Delaying intervention to make a call could result in prolonged fetal hypoxia and compromise.
D. Place a moist, clean towel over the cord to prevent drying. Covering the cord with a moist towel helps prevent vasospasm and drying, but it does not relieve the compression that is cutting off oxygen to the fetus. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord first before taking other measures.
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