Where does implantation of the fertilized ovum usually occur?

• Lower uterine wall

• Side of the uterus

• Fundus of the uterus

• Body of the uterus

Answer explanation

Implantation usually occurs in the fundus of the uterus.

A patient has been diagnosed with a tubal pregnancy. What is the typical outcome of a tubal pregnancy?

• The patient will carry the pregnancy to term and have a cesarean delivery.

• The patient will have to remain in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy.

• The patient will spontaneously abort this ectopic pregnancy.

• The patient will require surgery to remove the zygote.

Answer explanation

Any pregnancy where implantation occurs outside the uterine cavity is called ectopic. Tubal pregnancies usually must be resolved by surgical removal of the zygote.

How long does the embryonic stage of pregnancy typically last?

• 3 weeks

• 4 weeks

• 6 weeks

• 8 weeks

Answer explanation

The embryonic stage encompasses the first 8 weeks.

Why is the nurse concerned about a patient in her first trimester of pregnancy being exposed to German measles?

• The disease is capable of causing a spontaneous abortion.

• The disease is capable of causing birth defects.

• The disease is capable of causing high fever and convulsions.

• The disease is capable of interfering with placental implantation.

Answer explanation

Rubella is a known teratogen, which can cause birth defects.

Which hormone is secreted by the placenta?

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Answer explanation

The placenta functions as an endocrine gland, secreting estrogen, progesterone, and HCG.

What protects the fetus from most bacterial infections?

• The yolk sac

• The placental barrier

• The cotyledons

• The chorionic villa

Answer explanation

The placental barrier protects the embryo/fetus from most bacteria, but not from viruses or drugs. The cotyledons are sections that make up the placenta. The chorionic villa are tiny vascular projections on the chorionic surface that help form the placenta.

What period of the maternity cycle does the intrapartal period cover?

• Beginning of pregnancy to midterm

• Conception to third trimester

• Onset of labor to delivery of the baby

• Onset of labor to delivery of the placenta

Answer explanation

The intrapartal period of the maternity cycle covers the onset of labor to delivery of the placenta. The antepartal period begins at conception and continues until the onset of labor. The postpartal period begins after the delivery of the placenta and continues for approximately 6 weeks, until the reproductive organs return to their prepregnancy state.

A woman who has just discovered she is pregnant states that the first day of her last menstrual period was July 10. What will be her expected date of birth (EDB)?

• April 10

• April 17

• May 10

• October 17

Answer explanation

To determine the EDB (estimated date of birth), the woman should count from the first day of her last menstrual period. Count back 3 months and forward 7 days.

Which is a positive sign of pregnancy?

• Positive pregnancy test

• Positive Chadwick sign

• Ultrasonic tracing of the fetus

• Positive Goodell sign

Answer explanation

A positive sign of pregnancy is an ultrasonic tracing of the fetus. A positive pregnancy test, positive Chadwick sign, and positive Goodell sign are all probable signs of pregnancy.

What is the cause of frequent urination in early pregnancy?

• Increased fluid intake

• The fetus’s kidneys functioning

• Retention of fluid

• Increased circulating volume

Answer explanation

Early in pregnancy, the increase in circulating volume and the enlarging uterus placing pressure on the bladder cause urinary frequency.