To reassure and educate their pregnant clients about changes in ...

[CharlieWard]

To reassure and educate their pregnant clients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
 
  a. A blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff that is too large produces a reading that is too high.
  b. Shifting the client's position and changing from arm to arm for different measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at each visit.
  c. The systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic pressure remains constant.
  d. Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy.

Question 2

Some pregnant clients may complain of changes in their voice and impaired hearing. The nurse can tell these clients that these are common reactions to:
 
  a. A decreased estrogen level.
  b. Displacement of the diaphragm, resulting in thoracic breathing.
  c. Congestion and swelling, which occur because the upper respiratory tract has become more vascular.
  d. Increased blood volume.

[TheDev123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava also leads to varicose veins in the legs and vulva. The tightness of a cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too high; similarly the looseness of a cuff that is too large results in a reading that is too low. Because maternal positioning affects readings, blood pressure measurements should be obtained in the same arm and with the woman in the same position. The systolic blood pressure generally remains constant but may decline slightly as pregnancy advances. The diastolic blood pressure first decreases and then gradually increases.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Estrogen levels increase, causing the upper respiratory tract to become more vascular producing swelling and congestion in the nose and ears leading to voice changes and impaired hearing. The diaphragm is displaced, and the volume of blood is increased. However, the main concern is increased estrogen levels.