1. The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students.
Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products
during a contraction?
a. Little
...
1. The nurse is explaining the physiology of uterine contractions to a group of nursing students.
Which statement best explains the maternal-fetal exchange of oxygen and waste products
during a contraction?
a. Little to no affect
b. Increases as blood pressure decreases
c. Diminishes as the spiral arteries are compressed
d. Continues except when placental functions are reduced
ANS: C
During labor contractions, the maternal blood supply to the placenta gradually stops as the
spiral arteries supplying the intervillous space are compressed by the contracting uterine
muscle. The exchange of oxygen and waste products is affected by contractions. The
exchange of oxygen and waste products decreases. The maternal blood supply to the placenta
gradually stops with contractions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application OBJ: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: Patient Needs: Physiologic Integrity
2. The nurse is directing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to obtain maternal vital signs
between contractions. Which statement is the appropriate rationale for assessing maternal vital
signs between contractions rather than at another interval?
a. Vital signs taken during contractions are inaccurate.
b. During a contraction, assessing fetal heart rate is the priority.
c. Maternal blood flow to the heart is reduced during contractions.
d. Maternal circulating blood volume increases temporarily during contractions.
ANS: D
During uterine contractions, blood flow to the placenta temporarily stops, causing a relative
increase in the mother’s blood volume, which in turn temporarily increases blood pressure and
slows the pulse. Vital signs are altered by contractions but are considered accurate for a period
of time. It is important to monitor the fetal response to contractions, but the question is
concerned with the maternal vital signs. Maternal blood flow is increased during a
contraction.
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