Question 1

The process in which the uterus returns to a nonpregnant state after birth is known as ____________________.

Accepted Answer

Involution

Question 2

Which condition,not uncommon in pregnancy,is likely to require careful medical assessment during the puerperium?

Accepted Answer

A)  Varicosities of the legs
B)  Carpal tunnel syndrome
C)  Periodic numbness and tingling of the fingers
D)  Headaches D

Question 3

With regard to the postpartum uterus,nurses should be aware that:

Accepted Answer

A)  At the end of the third stage of labor it weighs approximately 500 g.
B)  After 2 weeks postpartum it should not be palpable abdominally.
C)  After 2 weeks postpartum it weighs 100 g.
D)  It returns to its original (prepregnancy)  size by 6 weeks,postpartum. B

Question 4

Clotting factors and fibrinogen levels normally are decreased during pregnancy and remain low in the immediate puerperium. This hypocoagulable state increases the risk of thromboembolism,especially after cesarean birth.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Childbirth may result in injuries to the vagina and uterus. Pelvic floor exercises also known as Kegel exercises will help to strengthen the perineal muscles and encourage healing. The nurse knows that the client understands the correct process for completing these conditioning exercises when she reports:

Accepted Answer

A)  "I contract my thighs,buttocks,and abdomen."
B)  "I do 10 of these exercises every day."
C)  "I stand while practicing this new exercise routine."
D)  "I pretend that I am trying to stop the flow of urine midstream."

Question 6

Changes in the maternal immune system during the postpartum period account for the profuse diaphoresis that new mothers experience.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Which hormone remains elevated in the immediate postpartum period of the breastfeeding woman?

Accepted Answer

A)  Estrogen
B)  Progesterone
C)  Prolactin
D)  Human placental lactogen

Question 8

The nurse caring for the postpartum woman understands that breast engorgement is caused by:

Accepted Answer

A)  Overproduction of colostrum.
B)  Accumulation of milk in the lactiferous ducts.
C)  Hyperplasia of mammary tissue.
D)  Congestion of veins and lymphatics.

Question 9

Which description of postpartum restoration or healing times is accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)  The cervix shortens,becomes firm,and returns to form within a month postpartum.
B)  The vagina gradually returns to prepregnancy size by 6 to 10 weeks after childbirth.
C)  Most episiotomies heal within a week.
D)  Hemorrhoids usually decrease in size within 2 weeks of childbirth.

Question 10

Several changes in the integumentary system that appear during pregnancy disappear after birth,although not always completely. What change is almost certain to be completely reversed?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nail brittleness
B)  Darker pigmentation of the areolae and linea nigra
C)  Striae gravidarum on the breasts,abdomen,and thighs
D)  Spider nevi

Question 11

A woman gave birth to an infant boy 10 hours ago. Where would the nurse expect to locate this woman's fundus?

Accepted Answer

A)  One centimeter above the umbilicus
B)  Two centimeters below the umbilicus
C)  Midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis
D)  Nonpalpable abdominally

Question 12

Two days ago a woman gave birth to a full-term infant. Last night she awakened several times to urinate and noted that her gown and bedding were wet from profuse diaphoresis. One mechanism for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this woman is experiencing during the early postpartum period is:

Accepted Answer

A)  Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection.
B)  Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth.
C)  Loss of increased blood volume associated with pregnancy.
D)  Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities.

Question 13

With regard to the postpartum changes and developments in a woman's cardiovascular system,nurses should be aware that:

Accepted Answer

A)  Cardiac output,the pulse rate,and stroke volume all return to prepregnancy normal values within a few hours of childbirth.
B)  Respiratory function returns to nonpregnant levels by 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
C)  The lowered white blood cell count after pregnancy can lead to false-positive results on tests for infections.
D)  A hypercoagulable state protects the new mother from thromboembolism,especially after a cesarean birth.

Question 14

A woman gave birth to a 7-pound,6-ounce infant girl 1 hour ago. The birth was vaginal,and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was approximately 1500 ml. When assessing the woman's vital signs,the nurse would be concerned to see:

Accepted Answer

A)  Temperature 37.9° C,heart rate 120,respirations 20,blood pressure (BP)  90/50.
B)  Temperature 37.4° C,heart rate 88,respirations 36,BP 126/68.
C)  Temperature 38° C,heart rate 80,respirations 16,BP 110/80.
D)  Temperature 36.8° C,heart rate 60,respirations 18,BP 140/90.

Question 15

A woman gave birth to a 7-pound,3-ounce infant boy 2 hours ago. The nurse determines that the woman's bladder is distended because her fundus is now 3 cm above the umbilicus and to the right of the midline. In the immediate postpartum period,the most serious consequence likely to occur from bladder distention is:

Accepted Answer

A)  Urinary tract infection.
B)  Excessive uterine bleeding.
C)  A ruptured bladder.
D)  Bladder wall atony.

Question 16

The self-destruction of excess hypertrophied tissue in the uterus is called:

Accepted Answer

A)  Autolysis.
B)  Subinvolution.
C)  Afterpain.
D)  Diastasis.

Question 17

Which woman is most likely to experience strong afterpains?

Accepted Answer

A)  A woman who experienced oligohydramnios
B)  A woman who is a gravida 4,para 4-0-0-4
C)  A woman who is bottle-feeding her infant
D)  A woman whose infant weighed 5 pounds,3 ounces

Question 18

What statement by a newly delivered woman indicates that she knows what to expect about her menstrual activity after childbirth?

Accepted Answer

A)  "My first menstrual cycle will be lighter than normal and then will get heavier every month thereafter."
B)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and will return to my prepregnant volume within three or four cycles."
C)  "I will not have a menstrual cycle for 6 months after childbirth."
D)  "My first menstrual cycle will be heavier than normal and then will be light for several months after."

Question 19

With regard to the condition and reconditioning of the urinary system after childbirth,nurses should be aware that:

Accepted Answer

A)  Kidney function returns to normal a few days after birth.
B)  Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition that alters the voiding reflex.
C)  Fluid loss through perspiration and increased urinary output accounts for a weight loss of over 2 kg during the puerperium.
D)  With adequate emptying of the bladder,bladder tone usually is restored 2 to 3 weeks after childbirth.

Question 20

Postbirth uterine/vaginal discharge,called lochia:

Accepted Answer

A)  Is similar to a light menstrual period for the first 6 to 12 hours.
B)  Is usually greater after cesarean births.
C)  Will usually decrease with ambulation and breastfeeding.
D)  Should smell like normal menstrual flow unless an infection is present.

Exam 20: Maternal Physiologic Changes