Review these Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Foundations – Quiz 5 nursing practice questions with answer choices and explanations.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering ovulation?
Correct answer:
Explanation: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the mature follicle to rupture and release the ovum.
Which structure transports the ovum from the ovary toward the uterus?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The fallopian tube transports the ovum toward the uterus through ciliary action and peristalsis.
Which hormone is responsible for maintaining the endometrium during the luteal phase?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Progesterone stabilizes and maintains the endometrium in preparation for implantation.
Which sign of pregnancy is considered probable?
Correct answer:
Explanation: A positive pregnancy test is objective but not diagnostic, making it a probable sign.
Which structure forms the fetal portion of the placenta?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The chorion develops chorionic villi that form the fetal portion of the placenta.
Which hormone increases maternal blood volume during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Estrogen contributes to increased blood volume and uterine blood flow during pregnancy.
Which maternal change causes shortness of breath in late pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The expanding uterus elevates the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion and causing dyspnea.
Which hormone stimulates breast duct growth during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Estrogen promotes growth and branching of the mammary ducts.
Which fetal circulation structure allows blood to bypass the lungs?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The foramen ovale shunts blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs.
Which maternal adaptation contributes to nasal congestion during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Elevated estrogen causes increased vascularity of mucous membranes, leading to congestion.
Which hormone maintains the corpus luteum until the placenta is functional?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy.
Which maternal cardiovascular change is expected during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Heart rate increases to support the higher metabolic demands of pregnancy.
Which fetal structure produces blood cells early in development?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The yolk sac is responsible for early hematopoiesis in the embryo.
Which hormone relaxes smooth muscle and may cause constipation during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, slowing gastrointestinal motility.
Which structure prevents direct mixing of maternal and fetal blood?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The placental barrier allows exchange without direct blood mixing.
Which trimester is associated with the greatest fetal weight gain?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Rapid fetal growth and weight gain occur primarily during the third trimester.
Which hormone stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Oxytocin causes contraction of myoepithelial cells, resulting in milk let-down.
Which maternal renal change is expected during pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate increase to handle metabolic demands.
Which hormone prepares the endometrium for implantation?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Progesterone prepares and maintains the endometrium for implantation.
Which fetal circulation structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The ductus arteriosus shunts blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
Which maternal adaptation contributes to varicose veins?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The gravid uterus compresses pelvic veins, leading to venous stasis and varicosities.
Which sign indicates softening of the uterine isthmus?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Hegar sign refers to softening of the uterine isthmus in early pregnancy.
Which maternal endocrine change supports fetal calcium needs?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone increases to ensure adequate calcium availability for fetal bone development.
Which maternal position improves uteroplacental circulation?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The left lateral position reduces vena cava compression and improves placental blood flow.
Which hormone is responsible for uterine contractions during labor?
Correct answer:
Explanation: Oxytocin stimulates uterine smooth muscle contractions during labor.
Which maternal change explains increased urinary frequency in early pregnancy?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The enlarging uterus places pressure on the bladder, increasing urinary frequency.
Which fetal age is commonly considered the threshold of viability?
Correct answer:
Explanation: With modern neonatal care, viability is generally considered around 24 weeks.
Which structure encloses the fetus and amniotic fluid?
Correct answer:
Explanation: The amnion forms the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus.
Which hormone level drops after delivery, allowing lactation to begin?
Correct answer:
Explanation: A drop in estrogen after birth allows prolactin to initiate milk production.