Review these Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Foundations – Quiz 3 nursing practice questions with answer choices and explanations.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for cervical mucus becoming thin and stretchy at mid-cycle?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Estrogen increases around ovulation and causes cervical mucus to become thin and elastic, facilitating sperm transport.
A nurse explains that the purpose of the foramen ovale in fetal circulation is to:
Correct answer:
Explanation: The foramen ovale allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the nonfunctioning fetal lungs.
Which hormone maintains pregnancy by preventing uterine contractions?
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Explanation: Progesterone relaxes uterine smooth muscle and maintains the uterine lining to support pregnancy.
A nurse teaches that quickening is best described as:
Correct answer:
Explanation: Quickening refers to the first maternal perception of fetal movement, usually felt in the second trimester.
Which structure secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
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Explanation: The placenta produces hCG after implantation to support the corpus luteum and maintain progesterone secretion.
Which finding is considered probable evidence of pregnancy?
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Explanation: A positive pregnancy test is probable evidence because it is objective but not definitive on its own.
The nurse explains that Braxton Hicks contractions are characterized by:
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Explanation: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and usually painless practice contractions that do not cause cervical change.
Which fetal structure becomes the placenta?
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Explanation: The chorion develops chorionic villi, which form the fetal portion of the placenta.
Which maternal change increases the risk of urinary tract infections during pregnancy?
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Explanation: Progesterone causes ureteral dilation and urinary stasis, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Which structure transports deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste from the fetus to the placenta.
A nurse teaches that the most accurate indicator of gestational age is:
Correct answer:
Explanation: First-trimester ultrasound provides the most accurate estimation of gestational age.
Which hormone prepares the uterus for implantation during the menstrual cycle?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Progesterone prepares and stabilizes the endometrium to support implantation.
Which fetal circulation structure closes after birth due to increased oxygen levels?
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Explanation: After birth, increased oxygenation causes closure of fetal shunts including the ductus arteriosus, ductus venosus, and umbilical vessels.
Which maternal adaptation helps meet increased oxygen demands during pregnancy?
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Explanation: Tidal volume increases during pregnancy to enhance oxygen exchange.
Which hormone is responsible for breast milk synthesis?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
Which maternal cardiovascular change is expected during pregnancy?
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Explanation: Blood volume increases by up to 50% to support uteroplacental circulation.
Which sign indicates uterine softening at the isthmus?
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Explanation: Hegar sign refers to softening of the uterine isthmus in early pregnancy.
Which hormone supports continued progesterone secretion in early pregnancy?
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Explanation: hCG maintains the corpus luteum, allowing continued progesterone production.
Which function is provided by the placenta?
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Explanation: The placenta facilitates gas exchange, nutrient transfer, and waste removal without blood mixing.
Which maternal change contributes to nasal congestion during pregnancy?
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Explanation: Elevated estrogen increases vascular congestion of mucous membranes, causing nasal stuffiness.
Which fetal structure produces early blood cells?
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Explanation: The yolk sac is responsible for early hematopoiesis in the embryo.
Which maternal system experiences the greatest physiologic changes during pregnancy?
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Explanation: The cardiovascular system undergoes major adaptations to support increased metabolic demands.
Which hormone increases maternal insulin resistance during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Human placental lactogen promotes insulin resistance to ensure adequate glucose availability for the fetus.
Which maternal position improves uteroplacental blood flow in late pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The left lateral position reduces vena cava compression and improves placental perfusion.
Which fetal structure allows blood to bypass the lungs and connect pulmonary artery to aorta?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The ductus arteriosus shunts blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta in fetal circulation.
Which hormone causes milk let-down during breastfeeding?
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Explanation: Oxytocin triggers contraction of myoepithelial cells, causing milk ejection.
Which maternal renal change is expected during pregnancy?
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Explanation: Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate increase to meet metabolic demands.
Which structure anchors the placenta to the uterine wall?
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Explanation: The decidua basalis forms the maternal portion of the placenta and anchors it to the uterus.
Which finding is a normal integumentary change during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Linea nigra is a common pigmentation change caused by hormonal influences during pregnancy.
Which hormone initiates labor near term?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and plays a key role in initiating labor.