Author Question: A pregnant client has come to the emergency department with complaints of nasal congestion and ... (Read 92 times)

theo · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A pregnant client has come to the emergency department with complaints of nasal congestion and epistaxis. Which is the correct interpretation of these symptoms by the health care provider?

a. Nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds are caused by a decrease in progesterone.
b. These conditions are abnormal. Refer the client to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
c. Estrogen relaxes the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract, so congestion and epistaxis are within normal limits.
d. Estrogen causes increased blood supply to the mucous membranes and can result in congestion and nosebleeds.

Question 2

The nurse is explaining fetal circulation to a group of nursing students. Which should be included in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

a. After birth the ductus venosus remains open, but the other shunts close.
b. The foramen ovale shunts blood from the right atrium to the left atrium.
c. The ductus venosus shunts blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava.
d. The ductus arteriosus shunts blood from the right ventricle to the left ventricle.

cswans24 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
As capillaries become engorged, the upper respiratory tract is affected by the subsequent edema and hyperemia, which causes these conditions, seen commonly during pregnancy. Progesterone is responsible for the heightened awareness of the need to breathe in pregnancy. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy. The client should be reassured that these symptoms are within normal limits. No referral is needed at this time. Relaxation of the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract is affected by progesterone.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B, C
The foramen ovale shunts oxygenated blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs. The ductus venosus shunts oxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava. All shunts close after birth. The ductus arteriosus shunts blood from the right ventricle to the aorta.