Chapter 6: Maternal Adaptations to to Pregnancy

During vital sign assessment of a pregnant patient in her third trimester, the patient complains of feeling faint, dizzy, and agitated. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

A pregnant woman has come to the emergency department with complaints of nasal congestion and epistaxis. Which is the correct interpretation of these symptoms by the health care provider?

While providing education to a primiparous patient regarding the normal changes of pregnancy, what is an important information for the nurse to share regarding Braxton Hicks contractions?

What is the physiologic reason for vascular volume increasing by 40% to 60% during pregnancy?

Physiologic anemia often occurs during pregnancy due to

Which finding is a positive sign of pregnancy?

A patient in her first trimester complains of nausea and vomiting. The patient asks, “Why is this happening?” What is the nurse’s best response?

The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick’s sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?

An expected change during pregnancy is a darkly pigmented vertical midabdominal line. The nurse recognizes this alteration as

What is the best explanation that the nurse can provide to a patient who is concerned that she has “pseudoanemia” of pregnancy?

Which physiologic finding is consistent with normal pregnancy?

A pregnant woman complains of frequent heartburn. The patient states that she has never had these symptoms before and wonders why this is happening now. The most appropriate response by the nurse is to

Which physiologic adaptation of pregnancy may lead to increased constipation during the pregnancy?

Which physiologic findings related to gallbladder function may lead to the development of gallstones during pregnancy?

Which of these findings would indicate a potential complication related to renal function during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman notices that she is beginning to develop dark skin patches on her face. She denies using any different type of facial products as a cleansing solution or makeup. What would the priority nursing intervention be in response to this situation?

A patient reports to the clinic nurse that she has not had a period in over 12 weeks, she is tired, and her breasts are sore all of the time. The patient’s urine test is positive for hCG. What is the correct nursing action related to this information?

Which comment made by a patient in her first trimester indicates ambivalent feelings?

A patient who is 7 months pregnant states, “I’m worried that something will happen to my baby.” Which is the nurse’s best response?

What is the term for the step in maternal role attainment that relates to the woman giving up certain aspects of her previous life?

An expectant patient in her third trimester reports that she developed a strong tie to her baby from the beginning and now is really in tune to her baby’s temperament. The nurse interprets this as the development of which maternal task of pregnancy?

Which situation best describes a man trying on fathering behaviors?

A 36-year-old divorcee with a successful modeling career finds out that her 18-year-old daughter is expecting her first child. Which is a major factor in determining how this woman will respond to becoming a grandmother?

Which comment made by a new mother to her own mother is most likely to encourage the grandmother’s participation in the infant’s care?

Which comment made by a new mother exhibits understanding of her toddler’s response to a new sibling?

An expectant couple asks the nurse about intercourse during pregnancy and whether it is safe for the baby. What information should the nurse provide?

A pregnant patient comes into the medical clinic stating that her family and friends are telling her that she is always talking about the pregnancy and nothing else. She is concerned that something is wrong with her. What psychological behavior is she exhibiting?

A patient relates a story of how her boyfriend is feeling her aches and pains associated with her pregnancy. She is concerned that her boyfriend is making fun of her concerns. How would you respond to this patient statement?

The nurse is assessing a patient in her 37th week of pregnancy for the psychological responses commonly experienced as birth nears. Which psychological responses should the nurse expect to evaluate? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about signs of possible pregnancy complications. Which should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Which findings are presumptive signs of pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)