Questions and Answers
What does sudden escape of fluid from the vagina indicate?
Severe headache and dizziness during pregnancy may indicate which condition?
Which of the following is true about the risk factors for pregnant adolescents?
What is the recommended schedule for prenatal visits from 36 to 40 weeks?
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What does the absence of fetal heart sounds after initially being detected indicate?
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How many weeks is a normal pregnancy typically considered to last?
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What is a common serious complication associated with ruptured membranes?
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What stage of prenatal care involves physical assessment?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting a CBC including HgB and HcT during pregnancy?
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Why is it important to report any sign of albumin in the urine during pregnancy?
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Which food source is most beneficial for obtaining iron during pregnancy?
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What should be considered when taking iron supplements during pregnancy?
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What is the purpose of Folic Acid supplementation during pregnancy?
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What should a pregnant woman do before performing Leopold’s Maneuver?
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What condition can result from malnutrition during pregnancy?
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Which vitamin is crucial for enhancing iron absorption when supplements are taken?
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What is the average diagonal conjugate measurement?
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Which characteristic refers to the length of contractions from start to finish?
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What is the average true conjugate measurement?
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What is the significance of the obstetric conjugate in pelvic measurements?
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Which of the following correctly describes a strong uterine contraction?
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Which phase of uterine contractions occurs when the intensity is at its highest?
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What defines the pelvic outlet?
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What describes the interval of uterine contractions?
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What is one characteristic of the contractions during the early phase of labor?
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What is an important distinguishing feature between true labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions?
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Which theory suggests that uterine contractions are triggered by diminished levels of progesterone?
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How long does the first stage of labor typically last for multiparous women?
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What typically occurs in the third stage of labor?
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What does the Aging Placenta Theory propose regarding the efficiency of the placenta as pregnancy progresses?
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What is one impact of having an increase in fetal descent during labor?
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Which hormonal response is most associated with initiating uterine contractions at term?
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What is the primary purpose of using an ice cap over the abdomen post-delivery?
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Which of the following is a potential complication of administering oxytocics before placental delivery?
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What degree of laceration involves the vaginal mucous membranes and the skin of the perineum only?
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During which stage of labor is the mother under the most critical observation due to unstable vital signs?
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What is the normal timeframe for lochia rubra post-delivery?
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When assessing the fundus postpartum, how often should it be checked during the first hour?
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What should be noted about the pattern of lochia following delivery?
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What is the maximum blood pressure reading at which Methergine can be safely administered?
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Study Notes
Complications During Pregnancy
- Chills and fever may indicate intrauterine infection, posing risks to both mother and baby.
- Sudden fluid escape from the vagina suggests membrane rupture, risking infection and umbilical cord prolapse if the fetus is small.
- Abdominal pain may indicate a ruptured tubal pregnancy, placental separation, or preterm labor; chest pain may suggest pulmonary embolism.
- Absence of fetal heart sounds after 4-5 months may indicate intrauterine fetal death (IUFD).
- Swelling of the face and fingers indicates edema.
- Flashes of light or scotomas, blurring of vision, severe headache, and dizziness may signal pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Prenatal Care Overview
- Prenatal care consists of three phases: pre-consultation (history taking), consultation (physical assessment), and post-consultation (health teachings).
- Schedule for prenatal visits: every 4 weeks until 32 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 to 40 weeks.
Prenatal Visit Components
- Personal data collected includes age, civil status, weight, and height.
- High-risk age groups: pregnant adolescents (under 17) and women over 35, with older women facing risks for chromosomal disorders and cesarean delivery.
- Duration of a normal pregnancy ranges from 266 to 280 days (38-42 weeks), often measured in lunar months or trimesters.
- Blood studies include typing, CBC, HgB, and HcT to assess anemia.
- Urine tests should include heat and acetic acid tests for albuminuria and Benedict's test for glycosuria, indicating potential complications.
Nutrition in Prenatal Care
- Protein-rich foods and various vitamins (A, D, E, C, B, calcium, phosphorus, iron) are critical for fetal development.
- Iron is especially important in the third trimester; absorption enhanced by vitamin C.
- Malnutrition can lead to serious outcomes, including prematurity and congenital defects.
- Smoking is contraindicated due to its effects on fetal growth.
- Folic acid is necessary to prevent neural tube defects, found in green leafy vegetables.
Leopold’s Maneuver
- A systematic palpation method to determine fetal presentation, position, and engagement.
- Position the woman supinely with knees flexed for better palpation access.
- First maneuver assesses fetal presentation by palpating the fundus and distinguishing between transverse and anteroposterior dimensions.
Characteristics of Uterine Contractions
- Contraction phases: increment (intensity increases), acme (strongest point), decrement (intensity decreases).
- Duration: length of a contraction; frequency: time between contractions; interval: regularity of contractions.
- Intensity classification: mild (easily indented), moderate (difficult to indent), strong (hard and rigid).
Theories of Labor Onset
- Oxytocin stimulation: increased oxytocin leads to heightened uterine contraction sensitivity.
- Uterine stretch theory: muscle contraction occurs when the uterus is stretched to capacity.
- Progesterone deprivation: decreased progesterone levels trigger contractions.
- Aging placenta theory: as the placenta ages, it produces less progesterone, allowing prostaglandins to induce contractions.
- Prostaglandin theory: fetal membranes produce arachidonic acid, converted to prostaglandins, promoting contractions.
Stages of Labor
- First stage: onset of true labor pains to full cervical dilation (10 cm).
- Length of labor varies: approximately 10-12 hours for primigravidas and 6-8 hours for multigravidas.
- Third stage: delivery of the placenta (5-20 min).
- Fourth stage: recovery period; significant for monitoring mother’s vital signs and uterine tone.
Puerperium / Postpartum Stage
- Begins immediately after delivery, lasting up to 4 hours as the reproductive tract returns to a non-pregnant state.
- Involution: the return of reproductive organs to pre-pregnant size, typically complete in 6 weeks.
- Assess the fundus every 15 minutes initially, then every 30 minutes; it should be firm and midline.
- Lochia assessment: normal post-delivery discharge stages include rubra (dark red, 0-3 days), serosa (pink/brown, 4-7 days), and alba (yellowish, 1-3 weeks).
- Lochia should not reverse, resemble menstrual flow, and follow a typical odor pattern.
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Description
Test your knowledge on maternal health complications, particularly focusing on intrauterine infections and their effects on both the mother and fetus. This quiz covers critical scenarios like membrane rupture and potential risks associated with fetal size and umbilical cord prolapse.
